3
two water-supply and two sewerage projects were partially completed during
the year under review. The total capital expenditure on water-supply in
1925 was Rs. 6,81,452, while the total expenditure on municipal drainage and
sewerage works was Rs. 4,08,369.
Personal.—The Government of Bengal have recently lost the services
of Mr. G. Bransby Williams, who had held the post of Chief Engineer,
Public Health Department (formerly called Sanitary Engineer) since 1909,
and who has had to retire under the age-limit.
The Engineering branch of the Public Health Department is practically
the creation of Mr. Bransby Williams, and it is largely due to his ability and
the example set by him that so much sanitary engineering work of a high
order of excellence has been carried out by the branch.
The fact that Mr. Bransby Williams's services were freely requisitioned
to advise on schemes outside Bengal is itself evidence of the high reputation
which his professional skill had earned for him.
Mr. F. C. Griffin officiated successfully as Chief Engineer during half
the year under report.
In Dr. C. A. Bentley the Public Health Department has a Director of
great enthusiasm, imagination, professional knowledge and ability to inspire
his subordinates with his own zeal. Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, I.M.S., acted
as Director of Public Health with remarkable efficiency for the most part of
1925 and in particular showed the greatest energy in visiting all sorts of out
of the way places to investigate health conditions.
Government in the Ministry of Public Health associate themselves with
the tributes which the Director of Public Health and the Chief Engineer have
paid to the assistance given by officers subordinate to them. Special
mention should be given to the propaganda work carried out by Rai Sahib
K. P. Roy.
It is however considered that future reports should contain a more
critical estimate of the efficiency of the Health staffs employed under
Government and local bodies and of other Health agencies such as Co-
operative Anti-malarial Societies. Under the recently sanctioned scheme
for rural health organization, there will be a rapid expansion of staff and
its duties will not be confined solely to public health work, but much new
administrative work will fall upon it. The closest attention to efficiency will
be necessary if the staff is to be properly utilized.
By order of the Government of Bengal
(Ministry of Public Health),
A. J. DASH,
Secretary to the Government of Bengal (offg.).
Nos. 1448-1458P.H.
Copy of the resolution (with copies of reports) forwarded to (1) all
Commissioners of Divisions for information and communication to all
District Officers and all Chairmen of District Boards in their respective
divisions, (2) the Surgeon-General with the Government of Bengal, the
Inspector-General of Prisons and the Inspector-General of Police, Bengal, for
information, (3) the Director of Public Health, the Chief Engineer, Public
Health Department, and the Secretary to the Sanitary Board, Bengal, for
information.
By order of the Government of Bengal
(Ministry of Public Health),
G. C. SEN,
CALCUTTA ;
Assistant Secretary to the Government of Bengal.
The 16th July 1927.
B. G. Press—18-7-1927—711J—1,017—J. L. C.