Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 299

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348. With the creation of a properly appointed Engineering Departinent, the posts of Sanitary Surveyor could be done away with, as the work of these officers clearly should be subordinated to the Executive Engineer.

349. It has been stated in evidence that one reason why correspondence has to be dealt with by native clerks, who have so frequently shewn themselves unreliable and venal, was the great amount of correspondence thrown upon the Medical Officer of Health and this again has been given as a reason why the Medical Officer of Health has at times confined his attention largely to office work, when he would have been better employed in supervising the work of the Inspectors.

350. The Principal Civil Medical Officer has stated in evidence that he considers that a European clerk should be attached to the Medical Officer of Health's office, and does not approve of the abolition of this post, which we under--` stand was carried out during his absence.

We consider however that were the correspondence concentrated, as it should be, in the Secretary's office, there is no need for an additional European clerk.

351. The view is forced upon us that both the Principal Civil Medical Officer and the Medical Officer of Health have in the past been too anxious to exercise personal control over their correspondence and the staff, ignoring the status of the Secretary.

This has resulted in the creation of what may be termed a one-man-system, which given a very competent officer with ample time at his disposal, might possibly be worked satisfactorily for a time, but inust in the end break down on the departure of that particular individual.

352. The despotic system has at all times proved a failure. We suggest that one be inaugurated which, whatever changes may take place in the personnel of the Department, can be carried on without hitch or check in the continuity of the work of the Department.

353. We have also suggested the abolition of the post of Market Inspectors. We cannot find that there is any real need for the services of these two officers nor that their time is profitably employed.

We believe that given the greater supervision which our increase in the Medical and Engineering Staff will ensure, that the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon should be able to keep the markets in a sanitary condition, without the assistance of these officers.

354. At present there are 17 interpreters for the Inspectors and staff generally. With a reduced staff, we think 15 should prove sufficient.

355. Our general idea is to pay the officers of the Department well, and by a redistribution of the work, ensure that their services are utilised to the best advantage, which does not appear to be the case at the moment.

356. We are of course aware that our scheme if approved cannot be brought into force in its entirety at once, as there are a number of officials (such as the Sanitary Surveyors, for example) who must be retained, until their services can be utilised elsewhere, or they retire from the service.

357. With regard to the appointment of the officers of the Department, we are strongly of opinion that the Sanitary and Building Staff should not be recruit- ed locally, or from the police force, but that certificated overseers should be brought out from home who have been specially trained to carry out the duties with which they will be entrusted.

358. We consider that the present system of dealing with this class of Government servant is far from satisfactory. In the event of irregularities being proved against an officer, or of his proving himself not fitted for his post, His Excellency the Governor has but limited powers for dealing with him, and has to obtain the permission of the Secretary of State before dispensing with his services.