HEALTH OF THE BOROUGH

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2434, 24 February 1909, Page 4

HEALTH OF THE BOROUGH

DISCUSSION IX THE COUNCIL

The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. J. R. Little) reported as follows at the meeting of the Borough Council lastnight:—

“Since resuming duty T have been inspecting in the brick area and other congested parts of the borough, and fumigating the different houses which have been notified with typhoid fever, eight cases of which have been notified since last meeting. I am satisfied that until Gisborne either adopts the close pan system or a drainage scheme, to carry off slops and other matter, that enteric will increase more in proportion as the population increases. I would also recommend that the house refuse from shops and business places be lifted in the early morning, say three times a week. This would entail another horse and cart, as, it is impossible for the two carts which are fully employed at the present all over the borough. Mr. Munroe. the Health Inspector, is at present in Gisborne, inquiring into the -smells which proceed from the river and other matters, and will report at a. later date on same. In nine cases I have issued summonses on people who have not complied with the by-law re rubbish tins, which come on for hearing on Friday, and there will be more to follow if the bylaw is not complied with. The schools have not yet complied with the request to lengthen the drain in Derby Street down to low-water mark.” Cr. Darton drew attention to the prevalence of typhoid fever in the. town, and he considered the Council should do something. Ho referred to the sealed pan system, which lie considered could be well adopted in Gisborne. He spoke of drainage, and asked if the Council could not utilise water power direct instead of a pumping scheme. He believed it would be a cheaper scheme, and would do away with the cost of annual upkeep. He was anxious to see a system of drainage at as early a date os possible. ‘ The Sanitary Inspector produced a sealed pan for the’ Council’s inspection.

Cr. Bright referred to the fact that oases of "fever existed which were never reported to the authorities. He thought stops should he taken to see that cases are reported. Cr. Whiuray said it was impossible at the present time to do more than was being done, and he thought the sealed pan system -was too expensive for the Council to undertake just now.

“’Cr. Somervell thought some scheme of surface drainage might be devised to carry away the surplus water. Drainage was badly required. Cr. Darton moved, and Cr. Sheridan seconded, that the Council confer with Dr: De Lisle regarding the question of the. health of the town, and the motion was carried.