Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 773

Recommendations.

NEW SCHEME,--Continued.

341. All reports from the District Inspec- tors to be sent direct to the Secretary and to be opened either by him, or by the Assistant Secre- tary, who will pass on such papers as may be desirable, to the Heads of the Sub-Divisions of the Department.

342. We suggest the abolition of the post of Prosecuting Inspector, as this officer rarely has any personal knowledge of the case in which he appears.

Under an improved system of supervision, where the Medical Officer of Health or Engineer can personally inspect nuisances, we believe the number of prosecutions will greatly decrease, thus removing a very constant, and in many cases a very real source of grievance among the Chinese. The District Inspector will consequently be able to conduct his own prosecutions.

343. We have provided as at present for twelve Districts, but experience may shew that it would be better to reduce the size of the Districts, making twelve in Victoria, and three in Kowloon.

344. With the growth of the population in Kowloon, the latter change will in any case prob- ably have to be made before long. For the same reasons we have put down two Inspectors to be in charge of burials and cemeteries; at present, we understand, this work is done by one man.

One of the difficulties in drawing up our scheme was experienced in connection with the Plague Inspectors.

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 supervi- sion which our increase in the Medical and En- gineering Staff will ensure, that the Colonial

eterinary 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 re- duced staff, we think 15 should prove sufficient.

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 recruited 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.

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