The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1909. DR. MASON AT THE THEATRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2449, 13 March 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1909. DR. MASON AT THE THEATRE.

An address on tho abstract subject of health is not usually calculated to draw a large audience, but Gisborneites have received such a rude awakening to their position from a sanitary point of view that they will listen eagerly to any proposals for an improvement, and there was a large attendance at the Theatre last night. It would be difficult to conceive a more suitable individual than the Chief Health Officer for the handling of such a subject. His address was couched in language and given in a style that made the matter easily understandable to a mixed audience. There was no lack of plain-speaking. “You are only getting what you deserve,” Dr Mason exclaimed in reference to the ill odor in which Gisborne is from a health point of view, adding, “Your place is filthy.” The duty-of the individual householder was emphasised, and lie put the position clearly and forcibly when he informed his hearers that the prevalence of typhoid would continue so long as the people were satisfied to remain in their present apathetic condition. At tho same time the speaker showed very definitely that the present Council is largely to blame for most of the unsavory conditions which prevail in the borough. Tho Chief Health Officer was not disposed to make any direct attack upon the Council, but when faced with various questions put by members of the audience he pointed out that in the, majority of cases the Council has already full authority to deal with the ■abuses mentioned, and its failure to do a glaring dereliction of duty. Di’. Mason interspersed liis “plain talk” to tlie people with a fair sprinkling of humor, which materially assisted to keep him on the best of terms.with his audience. He was, however, at his best when with rising voice and warmth of feeling lie touched briefly upon the “great white plague,” as tuberculosis has sometimes been called. “Remember!” lie bxplained, “that- by the adoption of a water carriage system and other sanitary methods you will not only rid your town, of typhoid, but other diseases will also be stopped. Dirt and. a high subsoil of water are tho most potent causes of that worst of all diseases, consumption.” Proceeding, he briefly and graphically described the characteristics of this ailment, and, alleging that it is the most preventable of all diseases, showed how individual effort can bring about its gradual extinction. While listening to Dr. Mason on this topic one naturally regretted that Gisborne’s woeful isolation is responsible for our being unable to- hear the Chief Health Officer at regular intervals. As .a lecturer he has quite- exceptional qualifications, for lie faces the problems put before him in a clear and practical manner, whilst his enthusiasm for his work is infectious to those with whom he comes in contact. In regard to a permanent scheme of sewerage the audience seemed favorably impressed with the suggestion that a council of experts should be asked to recommend the best available method. If the Chief Health Officer can succeed in obtaining

the assistance of the Clue ( l' Engineer oi the. Government, IMr. Holmes, in an advisory capacity, lie ivihshavc. achieved

a distinct service for the people of Gisborne. The opinion, of such a gentleman would be absolutely dependable. After indicating the lines to be followed, Dr. Mason fervently urged the people to “get to work right away” to remove the present reproach from the town. It is to be hoped that the Council, as the official representatives of the people, will act on this suggestion. The present is eminently the time for action, when the public is in the mood to submit to any reasonable precautions that may be imposed to protect the health of the community.