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Mr. JACKSON-A thing of that kind would be done very gradually?-Very gradually, just as opportunity occurred. Another thing, there is an income to be derived from public latrines. This place is peculiarly situatel in that respect. Now, of course, the Colony derives no income from the removal of night-soil from private premises, but from the removal from public latrines it does.
Hon, T. H. WHITEHEAD-Do you think it would be advisable that the Govern- ment should derive a revenue from night-soil removed from private houses?—I do not know about that. The question before this Committee is as to the insanitary condition of property. I do not know that the question as to whether the Government should collect the night-soil or not very materially affects the question of the health of the Colony provided it is effectually done, it may affect the revenue; it could in my opinion be more efficiently done by the Government. The Sanitary Board have already recom- mended that. They drew up a specification showing how it could be done and for- warded it to the Government. That was done at the time of the strike of night-soil coolies.
I think the question comes within the scope of the Commission--A lot of this night-soil ought not to be in private houses, and that is a great point in connection with these public latrines.
Mr. JACKSON-There was not a single house we visited in which there was not an offensive smell from matter which ought not to have been there-A good deal of the offensive smell is due to the excessive darkness. There are so many dark corners in the houses and everything gets shoved into them, and a Sanitary Inspector has not a chance to see everything when he has two thousand floors to inspect. A good deal of light will be introduced if Dr. CLARK's recommendations are carried out. I have brought some large plans which I am having prepared of the whole City and I expect to be able to send them to England to be lithographed shortly, from these the importance of Dr. CLARK's recommendations can be seen.
Mr. JACKSON-The town is divided into various districts with an Inspector over each to report to the Sanitary Board. Does that come within the scope of the Com- mission?
WITNESS-The Board has recommended the appointment of two more Inspectors. At present the City is divided into eight districts, and the Board recommended some three months ago-perhaps rather more-that two more Inspectors should be obtained, and the City was then to be divided into ten districts. I think that would be satisfactory.
The CHAIRMAN-I may inform the Commission that application has been made for Inspectors from home. The delay has arisen owing to the difficulty of getting In- spectors at the salary first named, but an increase has been recommended by the Government. That recommendation has gone home and it is expected that the men will arrive shortly.
Hon. T. H. WuITEHEAD-How many Inspectors are there for each district?
WITNESS-One Inspector for each district.
Would you then be able to get on with the work in each district ?-As far as the Inspectors are concerned, yes. I think it would be a very fair provision, because the crowded parts of the districts are of comparatively small area. Nos. 4 and 5, the districts the Commissioners have inspected, are somewhat small in area and when there are ten districts they will be still smaller.
Mr. EDE-And with the improvements suggested you say there would be more light and air admitted into the place and the Inspectors would have an easier time of it and would be able to do their work much quicker and better?-Yes and it would be a healthier employment.