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Edital n.º41 de 1972 em 2011
The other day, on entering a building somewhere in Faro where, by chance, a regional branch of a public department is still in business, I caught sight of something quite extraordinary: an old piece of paper, yellow from years of humidity, that announced the following: “proclamation nº 41/ 1972” from Faro Borough Council. In the tact and diplomacy of the times (the New State), it said explicitly in capital letters, and underlined, that it “is obligatory to affix this regulation in the entrance hall of blocks of flats”.
Edition 669 (17 Mar 2011), 
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The document “informed” of the “rule for porters” (a profession today practically extinct), but which had been decided upon by the borough council between “1st and 29th March 1972”. That’s almost 40 years ago! What seemed stranger still was that the building really didn’t look that old…
Intrigued, I tried to read on. It was difficult. The “proclamation” was affixed very high – almost touching the ceiling – and printed in small letters. Even so, I was able to learn a thing or two.
For example, when working, the portering professional should “present on the left side of his chest, a metallic oval plaque, the axis of which should not be greater than 8 cm or smaller than 6 cm, and on which should be emblazoned the word: PORTER”.
And the requirements for this the job: “obligatory schooling” and a “state of health” that has been duly verified by the authorities, in such a way that “it could not be deemed prejudicial to the tenants in the building”…
Another surprise is that the job did not limit itself to the maintenance of the stairways. They were other duties – some quite challenging, with real “policing” powers.
For example, it was up to the porters of Faro to “rigorously watch the stairs, not permitting access to tramps, and asking any unknown people as to where they’re intent on going and to whom”. Porters should also “impede” the “gathering of people, and any discussions that could alter the gentle equilibrium of the building”. Salazar did not like gatherings of any kind, remember…
But, added to all this, the porter also had a social responsibility. He had to advise tenants that they could not “beat carpets and bedclothes”, “nor water plants on their verandas” above “the public right of way, between 7am and midnight – or at any other hour that could constitute an annoyance to third parties”.
Ah, how simple and peaceful life was back then in Portuguese towns!
