Towns > Edinburgh > 1846-1975 - Post Office Edinburgh and Leith directory > 1894-1895

SANITARY PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.
Medical men are united in ascribing much ill-health and loss of life to the insanitary
condition of dwelling-houses. No one, therefore, should enter upon even a short occupancy
of a house without first obtaining something of the nature of a guarantee that it is in a
sanitary condition, and that tenancy of it will not injuriously affect the health of the
household.
No such guarantee should be accepted unless it be furnished by competent authority, and
based upon a careful examination of the house, and the application of the recognised tests.
Further, no guarantee should be accepted which does not bear a recent date. No single
inspection can ensure permanent efficiency, and methodical inspection from time to time is
absolutely requisite as a protection against inevitable decay, neglect, and accidental
disturbance.
None of the officers of the Association having any pecuniary interest whatever in the work
carried out by Members, they can have no object in recommending unnecessary or expensive
alterations ; while, on the other hand, the Engineers have no necessity to hurry over their
inspections, they being paid fixed salaries, quite independently of the number of cases they
deal with. The work done is of the best ; the Engineers are well-qualified men, and, as far
as the present staff is concerned, of considerable experience in the Association's particular
work. Therefore it is thought that under no other system are Members likely to have their
work more carefully and more economically done.
THE OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE-
1. To provide its members, at moderate cost, with sueh advice and supervision as shall insure the
proper sanitary condition of their own dwellings ; and of temporary lodgings in Edinburgh at a single fee.
2. To enable Members to procure practical advice, on moderate terms, as to the best means of
remedying defects in houses of the poorer class, in which they are interested. To aid in improving
the Sanitary condition of the city.
WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The first inpection entails very little disturbance of household arrangements. It is followed
by a detailed report, making specific recommendations, if any improvements in the household
arrangements are thought necessary. The Members are not bound to carry out these
recommendations. The Eeports furnished are considered to be strictly confidential.
The Association confihes itself to Inspection, Advice, and Supervision ; does not execute
any work, has no connection with any establishment for Engineering or Plumber work ;
consequently the advice given is absolutely disinterested.
SUBSCRIPTION.
Membership in Edinbukgh is constituted by an annual payment of £1, Is, There is no
Entrance Fee.
For Rates for Dundee, apply to the Local Secretary, Mr. Tosh.
Country Houses. — The Special Kates for the inspection of Country Houses are noted
below.
I. The Fees charged by the Association are based upon a time-rate of £2, 2s. per diem ;
a day being estimated as of seven hours' duration, for inspecting or reporting.
II. Travelling and incidental expenses are charged as incurred.
III. Time spent travelling, and expenses incurred upon journeys when two or more
properties are dealt with, are apportioned among the clients interested.
PRIVILEGES OF THE MEMBERS. •
Each Member is entitled to the following privileges in respect of property
■within the Municipality of Edinburgh : —
1. A Report by the Engineer of the Association on the sanitary condition of one dwelling
or property, with specific recommendations, if necessary, as to the improvement of drainage,
water-supply, and ventilation.
2. The supervision of any alterations in the sanitary fittings which may be carried out
by the advice, or with the approval, of the Officers of the Association, including the checking
of Plumbers' and other tradesmen's bills, and of estimates for work recommended by the
Engineer of the Association,
3. An Annual Inspection of his premises by the Engineer, with a report each year as to
their sanitary condition.
4. Each Member by his Annual Payment secures the above privileges in respect of one
dwelling or property occupied or designated by him. Should he be interested in two or more
dwellings or properties, he may secure equal privileges in respect to them all by paying the
annual subscription in respect of each.
5. The Association is also prepared to ins]3ect and report on houses not to be permanently
occupied {e.g., apartments temporarily rented), on the application of House Agents, at an
increased rate of charge for the Single Inspection and Report.
6. Stables, Lodges^ etc., are inspected at a fee of 10s. 6d. additional, when the work can
be done, along with the house, at one operation.