Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 291

185. (31)

*281. The above opinion must have greatly surprised Dr. CLARE, and as Presi- dent of the Board he was apparently unaware that these Stapding Orders had to be administered by himself, as he told the Commission on 30th to that the Sanitary Board had authority over all officers and servants of the Sanitary Department, and they were all under the Sanitary Board. He specially mentioned the Medical Officer of Health as Chief Executive Officer might be directed by the Board.

282. Dr. ATKINSON says the submitting of the Standing Orders to the Board in the first place was an oversight, and that he did not submit them, because he thought the powers had been taken away. That is hardly consistent with his next answer to the effect that he was in doubt at the time, else he would not have submitted them to the Board. Dr. ATKINSON also says that there was a doubt in Dr. CLARK's mind as to whether the Board could enforce these Standing Orders. He never informed the Board of the change which the passing of the new Ordinance had made with their issuing and enforcing Standing Orders, although he said he had no doubt in his own mind as to the matter. Shortly after the passing of the Amended Ordinance, he did put the question to the Attorney General.

283. We are of opinion that the Board must have full power to order and direct the officers and servants to carry out their orders, which orders should pass through the hands of the Secretary, whose duty it should be to see them carried out.

of Staff.

284. It appears to the Commissioners that considerable laxity has existed in Supervision the past as to the amount of supervision given to the subordinate members of the Staff, more particularly with regard to the outdoor staff.

There does not appear to have been any particular rule laid down and it has been left to the individual Medical Officer of Health to act in this matter as he considered best.

285. While holding the position of Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Pearse appears to have devoted a considerable portion of his time, as much as could be spared from his other duties. to personal supervision of the work done by the Inspectors. On the other hand, we have it on Dr. ATKINSON's own evidence that up to Page 2065. recent date Dr. CLARK as Medical Officer of Health rarely left his office, practically giving little or no supervision to the work of his subordinates.

286. We understand that this state of affairs has to a certain extent since been modified, but the fact remains that the excessive powers given to the Inspec- tors, coupled with insufficient supervision, resulted in considerable laxity on the part of the Inspectors as to the execution of their duties, and is responsible in a great measure for the corruption which exists.

287. Evidence has been given to the effect that some of the Inspectors taking advantage of the position are absent from their posts at a time when they should be on duty, while unquestionably a considerable amount of corruption which so freely obtained, at all events up to the date of the appointment of the Commission, could only have existed through want of more thorough supervision by the senior officials of the Department.

288. The Inspectors having thus in some cases become negligent of their duties, it has been possible for their interpreters, foremen, rat catchers and others under them to take advantage of the position to their own profit.

289. In a later section of this Report, we have outlined the division of work as we consider it should be carried out, and indicated in what direction we think reform can be effected.

290, At the time of the appointment of this Commission, it was frequently stated that the Senior Officials in the Sanitary Department strenuously denied the existence of any general corruption amongst their subordinates, though admitting a few such cases might possibly be found amongst the native section of the staff.

291.

During the prosecution of the enquiry, however, three Inspectors have been dismissed from the Government Service, and three more suspended.