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SANITARY INSPECTORS' PRACTICAL GUIDE.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

SANITARY Science and Sanitary Legislation have made rapid progress during the last few years, and in proportion to that progress the inspection of nuisances has become a work of much greater importance than heretofore; higher salaries are offered and better men are sought for. It is therefore essential that the inspector should keep his eyes and ears open to those matters specially connected with his numerous duties.

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The information required may be divided into two classes the theoretical and the practical. The latter class is the one to which this work is more especially devoted. The success of an inspector does not depend so much upon the technical knowledge he may possess upon a given subject, as upon a general knowledge of the various subjects mentioned in this work; but mostly does his success depend upon his general disposition, his cool, persuasive, but firm and determined manner, and his activity and general business tact. It is indiscreet on the part of an inspector when newly appointed to launch into too much, or too many kinds

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of work, as though to revolutionize the whole place in a few months.

The work, to be done effectually, must be proceeded with very cautiously at first, and after a little time press on quicker, as occasion may require, but at all times exercising great care. It should also be borne in mind that he who gets the most work accomplished with the least prosecutions attains his object in the easiest and most advantageous manner. As to summoning persons before the magistrates, a good deal of discretion is in the hands of the inspector, inasmuch as it will be a part of his duty to report to the committee the non-observance of a notice, or the breach of a byelaw, or the committing of an offence under the Public Health Acts, and on the information thus laid before the committee, the groundwork will be formed for proceedings before the magistrates.

The inspector, I think, need scarcely be told to avoid being drawn into any malicious prosecution.

With a view of placing in the hands of the reader all information strictly bearing on the duties of sanitary inspectors, and to make these pages of as much practical value as possible, it has been my desire throughout that it should answer as a text-book for the examinations of the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain, as the reader will no doubt be aware that this worthy institution has commenced to grant certificates of competency to inspectors upon their passing satisfactorily certain examinations. Their efforts in this direction cannot be too highly commended, and it is to be hoped that the Local Government Board will soon see their way to follow the example. The following is a portion of the

circular issued by the Sanitary Institute; each of the subjects mentioned will be treated upon in the various chapters throughout the work :

"The examinations are open to visitors duly appointed (a) by the Local Government Board; (b) the Institute of Civil Engineers; (c) Associations of Medical Officers of Health; (d) the Institute of British Architects; (e) the Association of Municipal and Sanitary Engineers and Surveyors; (f) the Institution of Sur

veyors.

"Candidates must furnish to the Council of the Institute satisfactory testimonials as to personal character; and give two weeks' notice to the registrar previous to presenting themselves for examination, stating whether they wish to be examined as surveyors or inspectors of nuisances. The fee for the certificate must be paid to the registrar, by post office order or otherwise, at least six days before the day of examination. On receipt of the fee a ticket will be forwarded admitting to the examination.

"Unsuccessful candidates will be allowed to present themselves a second time for one fee. The examination in each case will be by questions to be answered in writing, and by questions of a practical charater to be answered vivá voce, to include a competent knowledge of the following subjects:

"For Inspectors of Nuisances.

"A thorough knowledge of the provisions of the Acts respecting nuisances and adulterations. "A fair knowledge of the principles of ventilation.

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