BOROUGH SANITATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3244, 14 June 1911, Page 5

BOROUGH SANITATION.

HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT

THE RAT NUISANCE

The Acting Officer cf Health (Dr. Chesson) visited Gisborne on- May 13th last, and, in company with Mr. C. H. Ferris (Borough Sanitary Inspector) paid a visit of inspection to several buildings in the borough. The result of the investigation was the subject of a report which was received at the meeting of the Borough Council_ last night. Dr. Chesson dealt fully with liis subject, and instanced several buildings and stables where the drainage and general condition of the yards and outhouses left- a great deal to be desired. The Health. Officer outlined in his report the recommendations he had made for the abatement of the nuisances mentioned, and impressed on the Council the necessity in some cases for _ immediatel action. The time at his disposal, he reported, had been too short to enable 'him to make a detailed examination all round, but he recommended that Inspector Ferris should be authorised to l inspect and report on all buildings where necessary, and that the different owners and occupiers be instructed to make any alterations that might be required. Dr. Chesson, continuing his report, referred to the water-course known as the Wai’kanae drain, running from Grey Street to the river. It was, he said, a receptacle for household rubbish l , tills, etc., and although at the) time of his visit there was water running in it, he understood that in dry weather it was simply a chain- of stagnant pools. He recommended that the drain be cleaned and piped, and the channel filled in over the pipes. This could be done under section 218 of the Municipal Corpoi ations Act. . . ' ~ -,, , . After discussion it was decided that the recommendations of the Health Officer with regard to having the stalls of stables ebnereted and graded and the backyards of premises cleansed be given effect to.

Cr. Collins stated that there was urgent need for attention being directed to the Waikanae creek, which was a menace to public health. After further discussion it was resolved that the Sanitary Committee should inspect the Waikanae and submit a report to the Council on its state. A report from the Sanitary Inspector was read as follows:

“During the fortnight ending the 10th inst, I have inspected 26 blocks in the Borough in connection with the rat nuisance, the district extending from the. wharf to Cobden Street. This area contains three hundred and eight places, out. of which one hundred and eleven wore found to harbor rats. The occupants of all these places were only too anxious to l do what they could to get rid of the pest. I have instructed those persons at whose premises no. rats were found to lay poison similar to where they do exist, and I am pleased to say that my instructions are being, carried out. As regards the. nuisance at thet wharf, I was informed by the secretary of the Harbor Board that the request of the Borough Sanitary Committee is receiving attention, both as regards the shipping and l other places mentioned in my previous report. _ , “Two cases of enteric and three cases of scarlet fever were reported and attended to.”

Cr. Collins said that, m company with Cr. Brown, he inspected the wharves and 1 sheds, and it would be. very advisable, seeing that, foodstuffs were laying about in the sheds, if they were made rat-proof as far as possible. Ihe floor of the lower shed was composed ot uneven mud, which originally had been concrete. The main shed was absolutely riddled with rate'holes and formed an excellent harbor for them. The sanitary inspector would be wise to go to the’ Board and ask them to have then sheds made rat-proof As long as they allowed this disgraceful condition to continne. all the poison i.n the would would not get rid of their rats. It was decided to request the Board to make the floors of their sheds ratproof as far as possible.