OPEN COLUMN.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1360, 11 February 1884, Page 2

OPEN COLUMN.

♦ Our columns are open to the discussion of all matters of public interest, but vie are in no way identified- with th c views of our correspondents. CHARACTERISTICS OF REEFTON. (To the Editor, Inangahua Times. ) Sbr. — Dust or mud, stinks and squalor, are predominant features in the town of Reefton, though Reefton naturally presents superior facilities to many other towns, yet its natural advantages are more impeded than assisted, by permitting accumulations of all manner of filth to till up and obstruct the natural drainage — the whole surface of the ground is so impregnated and silted up with the foul accumulations of years, that there is no more escape for it, consequently they remain on the surface to the fmminent danger of the inhabitants, offering a premium to pestilence, disease, and death. Even the principal thoroughfare, Broadway, is a disgrace to civilization, and exhibits an unparalleled amount of callous indifference on the part of those who are, or ought to be, responsible. Is the health and safety of the inhabitants who are by force of circumstances compelled to inhale the poisonous atmosphere enveloping them to be thus sacrificed to the influence of such pestilence breeding surroundings. "Verily this is a matter that should interest all. The very side walks and water channels of Broadway would be a disgrace to a community of savages, and there is not the slightest effort made to romocly such a barbarous state of nfluirn. I nin aware there are some who will nay leave good enough alone, while thoir own Ihmnoinl position is not affected thurebv, But such as those should be onutptmed. to pny due attention to sanitary obliyiitloue for the benefit and wellbeing of tho whole. But as former experience Ims taught us that no possible romody ts obtainable under existing cirounihtanoon it is high time that a different syntoin of supervision over our sanitary condition should be initiated without less of time ■ lam, etc., , Observer. lU'ufton, February Bth, 1884.