388
STAFF.
Inspector FISHER retired upon pension on March 19th, 1899.
He was an able, trustworthy and painstaking officer, and I was very sorry to lose him. Inspector WATSON was appointed in charge of the Animal Depôts at Kennely Town vice Ins- pector FISHER retired.
Inspector COTTON was appointed Inspector of Markets in place of Mr. WATSON promoted. Both these officers performed their duties to my entire satisfaction during the year.
Inspector's Quarters at Kennedy Town.-Since its erection in 1895, I regret to state that the bungalow provided for the Inspector in charge of the Animal Depôts has proved very unhealthy, and although the Board, acting on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, recommended the Govern- ment in a letter dated October 13th. 1899, to improve it by the addition of an upper storey, their suggestion was not adopted, although it is generally accepted that sleeping rooms upon the ground floor in malarial districts are more conducive to fever and similar tropical diseases.
As the duties of this office are very trying during the hot months of the year, I think it is at least due to the Inspector in charge that he should be housed as comfortably as circumstances will permit.
Salaries of Inspectors.- Previous to January 1st, 1899, the Inspector in charge of the Animal Depôts, and the Inspector of Markets had always ranked with the Sanitary Inspectors, but since then the pay of five of these officers has been increased from $720 to $960 by $48 yearly-to $1,200 rising to $1,368 by $56 yearly-while that of Inspectors WATSON and COTTON has remained as before. Hence through no fault of their own, both these officers have lost a step in rank, although the duties performed by them involve even a greater responsibility than do those of the above named five 1st Class Inspectors, Mr. WATSON being in charge of premises which bring in an annual revenue of over $53,000 per annum, and Mr. COTTON controlling markets which last year returned a rental of more than $80,000.
I may further point out that the salary of the Inspector in Charge of the Animal Depôts was $1,200 per annum when that of the Sanitary Inspectors was only $960–he receiving the same as the Senior Sanitary Inspector-but now the pay of that Officer has been increased from $1,200 to $1,800 rising to $2,400 by $120 yearly, although nothing has been added to that of the Inspector in Charge of the Animal Depôts.
After considering the report of a sub-committee consisting of the Hon. F. H. MAY, C.M.G., and Mr. OSBORNE, the Board in a letter to the Government dated 2nd December, 1898, recommended that upon the abolition of the watchmen at the Animal Depôt and Slaughter House at Kennedy Town, part of their lapsed pay should be devoted to increasing the salaries of the Inspector in Charge of the Animal Depôts, and the Inspector of Markets to $120 per month cach, but although the watchmen were dispensed with upon March 19th, 1899, the increase has so far not been granted by the Govern- ment to the two Inspectors.
From the above facts, I think it is clearly shown that both these Inspectors should at least be made equal in the matter of salary to the 1st Class Sanitary Inspectors.
Mr. JOHANNSEN is to be commended for the smart and cleanly condition in which he has kept the Central Market throughout the year-especially when it is known that the market staff of coolies has been considerably undermanned during the greater part of the time.
Mr. C. P. DA SILVA was appointed Interpreter on June 1st aud has performed his duties satis- factorily.
Market Coolies.-These coolies are still underpaid, and consequently I experience great difficulty in obtaining suitable men, good ones simply engaging themselves temporarily, and then passing on to more lucrative employment outside. Thus the staff of market coolies generally consists of very in- ferior men, and they knowing that, if they resign, can immediately obtain situations at the same rate of pay, if not higher, elsewhere, are naturaliy unruly and insubordinate, and the work suffers in conse-
quence.
I have repeatedly pointed out the wisdom of paying these coolies slightly above the ordinary market rate in order to obtain good men who would take an interest in their work, aud remain some length of time in the Government employ, instead of joining for a week or two as at present and then leaving to better themselves.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
C. VIVIAN Ladds,
M.R.C.V.S., F.E.V.M.A., F.Z.S., Colonial Veterinary Surgeon:
The Secretary,
SANITARY Board.