Chapter II: The Appointment of Surveyor

Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of surveyor to a town, or upon a sanitary authority determining to make such an appointment, the question is usually relegated to a committee or sub-committee to report upon the subject, to fix the amount of salary proposed to be given, and frame the duties of the office.

The following report is one that has lately emanated from an important English borough, and is given in full as a specimen of such reports, and as a guide on which a report could be framed; altered, of course, to such requirements as may be locally necessary:--

_Report of the Special Sub-Committee as to the Surveyor._

(1.) Your sub-committee report that they have, in compliance with the resolution of the day of , carefully considered the steps to be taken with reference to the vacancy caused by Mr. ------’s resignation, and they have come to the unanimous conclusion that it is desirable that the office of surveyor should be continued.

(2.) Your sub-committee have also considered the duties which were assigned to the office of Mr. ------’s appointment, and they beg now to submit them, revised in accordance with the present circumstances of the department, and with the recommendations contained in this report.

(3.) Your sub-committee further recommend that the salary of the surveyor be fixed at £ . . per annum, and that advertisements be issued for candidates.

_Duties of the Surveyor._

(1.) To have charge of the repairs of all highways, and to perform all duties devolving on the council as surveyors of highways.

(2.) To report from time to time to the committee superintending the same, the state of the several highways and lines of tramway, and as to the materials wanted or works necessary.

(3.) To prepare all plans, specifications, or instructions necessary in relation thereto, and as to the materials to be used therein, and to see that all works are completed according to contracts entered into.

(4.) To engage and dismiss under sanction of the committee all workmen employed at daily and weekly wages.[3]

(5.) To certify all accounts for work done, materials supplied, and wages due.

(6.) To have charge of all materials and implements.

(7.) To purchase or contract for, or hire all horses, carts, tumbrils, stones, flags, gravel, draining pipes, and proper implements and materials, and all other matters and things, at such prices and in such manner as the committee shall judge reasonable and expedient, and to sell or otherwise dispose of the same as he may be directed.

(8.) To have the entire charge and superintendence of the breaking up and repairing of all streets, for the purpose of laying or replacing gas and water pipes.

(9.) To inspect and report, in conjunction with the medical officer of health, upon slaughter-houses preliminary to licences being granted, and to make the plans and superintend the construction of any slaughter-houses which the council may hereafter erect.

(10.) To take all levels and surveys which may be necessary for the purpose of deciding on the best mode of draining the several districts, or any part thereof, or for the purpose of fixing the levels and inclinations of any streets or roads, or in anywise relating thereto.

(11.) To carry out the scheme now in course of construction for the interception of the sewage of the borough, and any future scheme, for its precipitation, filtration, deodorization, or any other process which the council may adopt, either within or without the borough.

(12.) To superintend the construction and completion of all tramway lines and sidings which may be required.

(13.) To prepare, from time to time, schemes for the drainage of the several districts or any part thereof.

(14.) To prepare all such plans, sections, and specifications as may be necessary for the due execution of any flagging, paving, sewering, or other works required to be done, or for entering into any contracts in relation thereto, and to see that all works are executed in accordance therewith.

(15.) To measure up and duly certify the execution of all works, and apportion the cost to the parties chargeable therewith.

(16.) To see that all house drains, which may from time to time be carried into any public sewer, are made and connected in accordance with the regulations.

(17.) To give to the several contractors performing any works, orders for the same in writing only, keeping duplicates thereof, duly entered in a book to be kept by him for that purpose.

(18.) To prepare all plans, drawings, and estimates required, and to superintend the execution of all improvements.

(19.) To see that no encroachments be made on any highway or public place.

(20.) To advise on, and execute, all engineering works, and prepare all such plans, specifications, and estimates of, and take out quantities for, such sewers, buildings, bridges, and works as may be required, and to superintend the erection and execution thereof.

(21.) To have in his charge, and be responsible for, the proper management of all buildings and properties belonging to the corporation, or for the repair and maintenance of which the corporation is liable, except otherwise directed by the council.

(22.) To examine and report upon all plans and elevations of buildings proposed to be erected or altered upon land sold or leased by the corporation.

(23.) To inspect and report on plans of new streets to be laid out, of houses to be built, and of buildings to be erected or altered.

(24) To see that all streets are properly named, and that the name plates are kept in good order.

(25.) To act as building surveyor in all matters relating to the execution of the Sanitary and Local Acts, and to examine and certify new houses as fit for habitation.

(26.) To examine all buildings in a condition dangerous to the public, to report thereon, and to take such steps as may be necessary to prevent accidents arising therefrom.

(27.) To prepare all plans and sections for deposit, pursuant to Standing Orders, with respect to all street improvements, tramways, gasworks, waterworks, or other works, unless otherwise ordered by the council, and to prepare all other surveys, plans, and sections required.

(28.) To attend the meetings of the several committees when required.

(29.) To prepare all returns relating to his office that may be required by the Government.

(30.) To attend in London or elsewhere when required, without extra charge, excepting only his travelling and hotel expenses.

(31.) To keep accurate permanent records and plans relating to all properties purchased, leased, or sold, or in possession.

(32.) To devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office, and not to be engaged in any other office, business, or employment whatever.

(33.) To report from time to time all and every matter connected with any branch of his office which, in his opinion, may require the attention of any committee, and take their instructions thereon.

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Clauses 18 and 20 in the above list of duties are very comprehensive, and as a rule a town surveyor’s duties may be summed up in a very few words--“to do anything that he is requested.” It is, however, better that some definite instructions should be laid down, and those which I have given may be taken as a fair specimen of what such duties may be.

Unlike the medical officer of health, who by Act of Parliament is required to hold a diploma of competency,[4] it is open to anyone to apply for and obtain the appointment of a town surveyor. This is no doubt unfortunate, as some test of merit is desirable, and of late years the necessity of some examination as to competency has been much discussed.

In order to meet this requirement, the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain has instituted examinations and granted certificates of competency for both town surveyors and inspectors of nuisances. The following particulars of these examinations, and the reasons given for their necessity, may be of interest, and are given in full.[5]

_Examination of Local Surveyors and Inspectors of Nuisances._

The great and increasing importance of the duties devolving upon local surveyors and inspectors of nuisances in connection with the various statutes relating to Public Health and the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, has led the council of the Institute to establish voluntary examinations for local surveyors and inspectors of nuisances, and for persons desirous of becoming such, or of obtaining the certificate of the Institute.

Each examination occupies a portion of two days. On the first day the examination of surveyors is continued for four hours, viz. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. and consists of written papers only. Inspectors of nuisances have two hours’ written examination on the first day, viz. from 4 to 6 P.M. On the second day the examination for both classes commences at 11 A.M., and is _vivâ voce_; with one or more questions to be answered in writing if deemed necessary. A certificate of competence signed by the examiners is granted to successful candidates.

As rural sanitary authorities are able under the Public Health Act 1875 to obtain almost all the powers of urban sanitary authorities, it is not considered advisable to make any distinction in the examination of the two classes of surveyors.

As one person may, under the Public Health Act 1875, be both local surveyor and inspector of nuisances, candidates wishing to obtain the double qualification may enter for both examinations on the same occasion.

Candidates are required to furnish to the council of the Institute satisfactory testimonials as to personal character, and to give two weeks’ notice to the secretary previous to presenting themselves for examination, stating whether they wish to be examined as surveyors or inspectors of nuisances, or as both.

The fee for the examination must be paid to the secretary, by post-office order or otherwise, at least six days before the the day of examination. On receipt of the fee a ticket will be forwarded admitting to the examination.

The fees payable for the examination are as follows:--

For Surveyors £5 5 0
For Inspectors of Nuisances 2 2 0

Unsuccessful candidates are allowed to present themselves a second time for one fee.

_Syllabus of Subjects for Examination for Local Surveyors._

_Laws and Bye-Laws._--A thorough knowledge of the Acts affecting sanitary authorities, so far as they relate to the duties of local surveyors; also of the model bye-laws issued by the Local Government Board.

_Sewerage and Drainage._--The sanitary principles which should be observed in the preparation of schemes for, and the construction of sewerage works; the ventilating and flushing of sewers and drains; the internal drainage and other sanitary arrangements of houses, privies, water-closets, dry-closets, and the removal of refuse; the sanitary details of builders’ and plumbers’ work.

_Water Supply of Towns and Houses._--The sanitary principles which should be observed in the preparation of schemes for, and the construction of water-works; the various ways in which water is likely to become polluted and the best means of ensuring its purity.

_Regulations of Cellar Dwellings and Lodging Houses._--General principles of ventilation; the amount of air and space necessary for men and animals; the means of supplying air, and of ensuring its purity.

_Highways and Streets._--The sanitary principles which should be observed in the construction and cleansing of streets and roads.

EXAMINATION PAPERS, NOVEMBER 6, 1879.

_Questions for Surveyors, November 6, 1879, 2 to 4 o’clock._

1. Define street; state the law applicable to every description of street in an urban sanitary authority district, and the rights and obligations and duties of sanitary authorities, owners and occupiers therein.

2. What are the relative advantages of circular and egg-shaped sewers; in what case are they respectively preferred?

3. Give a specification of a water-tight sewer. Describe and give a sketch of the form of man-hole which you consider best adapted for ordinary town sewers, and state the rule which you adopt for determining the amount of ventilation to be afforded in a main street sewer.

4. In what way does the size and shape of the sewer affect the velocity of sewage flowing through it? If a nine-inch pipe sewer, laid at an inclination of 1 in 200, gives a velocity of 3 feet per second, what velocity will it give when laid at an inclination of 1 in 800, the pipe running full in each case? Will this velocity suffice to keep it clear from deposits? Describe the various modes which may be resorted to for flushing sewers.

5. Give a description of the process termed intermittent downward filtration. State what area of land you would require, with a gravelly soil, for applying this method of purifying sewage to a town with a population of 1000 inhabitants, and state the arrangements you would adopt for dealing with the rain-water falling on the roofs, yards, and streets.

_November 6, 1879, 6 to 8 o’clock._

1. In reporting upon the source of water supply for a town, what are the points to which you would direct your attention?

2. Give a sketch of a ~D~ trap, an ~S~ trap, a ~P~ trap, and a pan water closet (plan of a dwelling-house annexed).

3. Criticise the arrangements of this residence as to position of rooms, walls, doors, fire places, windows, &c., from a sanitary point of view.

4. Describe the drainage arrangements shown on the plan. Say whether they are satisfactory; if not, in what way are they faulty?

5. Sketch on the plan any other system of drains which you would think preferable.

6. Describe in detail the arrangements necessary for the water supply of the residence, a bath being fixed in the room over the serving room, a W.C. on the first floor over that on the ground floor, and a housemaid’s sink near.

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It is, of course, open to consideration whether the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain is the proper authority to hold these examinations or not; but there is no doubt that some such examination is necessary, and would be welcomed by nearly all town surveyors in order to more firmly secure their positions; and the Sanitary Institute is entitled to every credit for having taken the initiative step in the matter.

Under the present system of appointment to the office of town surveyor those seeking that office must be prepared to work hard to obtain it, and to give up some considerable time to its acquisition. Tact, patience, and perseverance are indispensable qualities when seeking such appointments, and the following suggestions on this matter may be of use.

The appointment usually rests finally with the whole body of the town council or corporation, even if a sub-committee or committee has been appointed in the first case to make some selection of candidates. The candidates thus selected by the committee are usually requested to appear before the whole body of the town council, who then make the appointment from amongst them.

The first thing a candidate should do when he hears of a vacancy occurring in the office of a town surveyor, or sees an advertisement requiring a surveyor’s services, is to obtain fresh testimonials from those persons of position and influence for whom he has worked or who know him professionally. These testimonials, with any very good old ones (but not too many of either), should be sent by post to the town clerk or person mentioned in the advertisement, with a formal, carefully-worded application for the appointment.

If canvassing is not prohibited, a list of the members of the town council, with their addresses, should then be procured, to whom printed copies of the application and testimonials should be sent, accompanied by an autograph letter asking that the application and testimonials should be read.

This should be followed up (if possible, immediately), by a journey to the town and a personal visit to each member of the council or corporation, not necessarily for the purpose of soliciting a vote, but with a view to making the acquaintance of the members of the corporation and to identify the applicant with his testimonials; and in these visits great tact and patience are necessary. It is also of importance to seek and obtain all the outside influence that is possible, in order to bear upon the members of the corporation, by means of letters of introduction, and informal testimonials as to eligibility for the appointment, and personal character and position, &c.

Canvassing on behalf of oneself is extremely unpleasant and harrassing work; but wrong as the system may appear to be, it is not easy to see how, in municipal government, any other method can be adopted, and the visit of the candidate to each member gives the latter an opportunity of asking him questions and satisfying himself as to his qualifications, and thus he will not feel he is acting blindly when he gives his vote in favour of that candidate whom he thinks, after a personal interview, the most suitable for the appointment.

[3] This seems to be an undue interference with the control which a
surveyor should always have over his men.

[4] “A person shall not be appointed Medical Officer of Health under
this Act unless he is a legally qualified medical practitioner” (38 &
39 Vic. c. 55, sec. 191).

[5] _Vide_ ‘Calendar of the Sanitary Institution of Great Britain for
the year 1880.’