SANITARY INSPECTORS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11736, 25 January 1924, Page 9

SANITARY INSPECTORS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. “UNQUALIFIED MEN.’-’ Per Press Association DUNEDIN, January 24. The fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Sanitary Inspectors’ Association opened yesterday, Mr Kershaw (Christchurch) presiding. The delegates were welcomed by the Mayor and the Hon. C. E. Statham. Dr. McKibbin, health officer, delivered an address in which he stated that, considering their age, population, and resources, the four principal cities- of the Dominion compared favourably with the cities of other dominions regarding sanitary works and reticulation; but in the oountry districts medical officers found real difficulties The people in the smaller boroughs were not well versed in sanitary practice, and it was difficult for health inspectors to maintain even a passable sanitary standard. The president, in congratulating the Hon. Dr. Poniare on his appointment as Minister for Health, said that the Minister’s keen understanding of sanitation would be a great future help. The long list of useful regulations gazetted during the year, if wisely administered, 4 would make for the benefit of the community. An invitation from- the Auckland centre to hold the conference in that city m 1926 was accepted. The conference considered what action should he taken in connection with the appointment of unqualified men. This was the result of the appointment of what prae described as an unqualified man as assistant inspector of health in Western Samoa. It was stated that the man appointed was selected principally because he had been a policeman in tropical countries. It was decided that a letter should he sent to the Minister protesting against such appointments. An Auckland remit that, in addition to the qualifications at present prescribed regarding section 25 of tho Health Act, all inspectors who have held office for five years prior to the coming into force of the Act should be recognised as qualified, was referred to the solicitor of the Municipal Corporations Association. A Wellington remit, that the general council make further efforts to have section 287 of the Municipal Corporations Act amended so ns to provide that persons appointed as sanitary inspectors under the Act shall hate the same qualifications a® inspectors appointed under tho Health Act. was referred to the next Municipal Conference.