DIRTY GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2447, 11 March 1909, Page 3

DIRTY GISBORNE.

[To the Editor.] Sir, —It is amazing how one croaker can induce another to follow in the. same train of thought and croak as another. • I refer more particularly to Cr. Williams designating Gladstone Road as a dirty thoroughfare, and to emphasise his point referred to Gladstone Road, from Bushnell’s corner to the Post Office corner. I made a minute examination this morning, and also inquired from the road foreman respecting the administration of that particular part, and find that a clear stream of water from the Sievwright memorial runs down this said channel, and is further swept out every day. The doctor further refers to the dirt accumulation, such as banana peelings, etc. Now, these can only be found from one day to another, but in noting this morning the general dirt referred to what do I find? The terrible filth referred to is composed of empty cigarette packets, -match boxes, paper bags, pieces of newspapers, halfeaten apples, which were not so toothsome as the purchasers had expected.. This is the “terrible” filth which the doctor designates with such alarming denunciation. I repeat, Sir, that it is nothing short of a disgrace that the residents should attempt to befoul their own town without better reason than any adduced. And, I would ask, now that the Chief Health Officer is here, what is his opinion on this particular part referred to. In respect to the numerous cases of enteric foyer which come from far and wide—viz., To Arai, Patutahi, Waihuka, up on. these high lands as well as the various suburbs of the town, whether it does not arise from causes over which the Council has no control, and which puz- ) zlc even the doctors from time to time. We all admit that drainage is necessary and desirable, but you must first be assured of an efficient and reliable water supply for flushing the drains, or you will precipitate a pestilence instead of improving matters. To throw the onus upon the Council for not doing this and that is wrongA very large amount of responsibility rests upon the individual householder. —I am, etc., J. WHINRAY.