CLOSETS.

Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 626, 13 January 1872, Page 2

CLOSETS.

The City Councillors deserve the thanks of the public for the determination at which they have lately arrived, to save the city from plague and pestilence. It is proposed to pass a by-law empowering themselves according to law " to regulate privies and cesspools." If this regulation be much longer left to the mere option o the inhabitants themselves, we shall eref long find some devouring disease, raging in our midst. Those who wisely attend to the matter, are still exposed to the danger by tho conduct of tho negligent and ignorant, who, because they do not actually see tho deadly gases, which, generated in their cesspools, fill their dwellings with

the atmosphere of tlie grave, never think that such an agency is sapping their lives.

But, while the Council set about removing this evil by introducing a new system of closet, there is one great point that must be constantly kept in view, namely, that no system should be adopted hastily -, for if any particular system is adoptbdiu haste, or without an unprejudiced discussion, or without a severe test and trj il as against other systems, what would fc *$? If adopted in haste, it is most likely that before long the Council would discover that a much superior system existed, and that moreover its introduction was, for the sake of the public health, absolutely necessary. Then look at the unnecessary expense entailed on the citizens ,in removing the old closet and erecting the new. If any particular system is adopted without giving a full and fair trial as against other systems, before a committee consisting chiefly of scientific men, and under their direction, what proof have the citizens that the system adopted by the Council, and for which the citizens have to pay their money, is the best and most economical of the various systems now existing. If any particular system be adopted without plenty of discussion and ventilation, adopted on what would be termed on "the quiet," dissatisfaction would rage amongst the citizens, and it would be said, whether rightly or wrongly, that a "job" had been perpetrated, that some of the councillors or some of their friends having got the proper " tip" had imported a cargo of a particular kind of closets, just the kind adopted by the Council, and just in time to supply them. Of course such a thing could not happen in Auckland; but "of course people will talk."

There are, it may be agreed, only three effective systems to select from—three prevailing systems. One is the "water closet." another is the " earth closet," and the other is the patent "disinfecting and deodorising closet." The first of these was the best existing at the time of its introduction, but since then other systems, far more effective and far more economical, have been discovered and brought into use. Where there is an abundant supply of water, and where the natural features of the place are favorable to the construction of sewers, and where a suitable locality can be found for a reservoir, into which the main seweror sewers might discharge, the system, so far as health is concerned, is very good. But, under any circumstances, it is cumbrous and costly. The second of these systems is the earth closet. This is an effective and cheap arrangement. If the Council adopt it and render it obligatory, we do not, however, see by what means they can make sure that their object and intention shall be carried out, unless they enforce the ■patent earth closet. Nor indeed even then could they prevent the evasion of the provisions of their resolutions thereon, unless they placed all under the surveillance of an officer appointed for the purpose of seeing that the intention of the law was complied with.

The third is the patent disinfectant and deodorizing closet. This closet is constructed on the principle of the patent earth closet, but instead of earth, there is used in il a preparation of carbolic acid mixed with lime and sand. This preparation is said to fix the noxious gases instantaneously—the great object above all others to be aimed at. Besides, instead of the large quantity of earth required in the former system, a very small quantity of the carbolic preparation is sufficient in the latter. This last is being largely introduced and used in Melbourne, and is giving great satisfaction. The patent is that of aMr Higgins, civil engineer, who has had a most extensive experience in some of the chief cities in England, in connection with the sewage question. It is most decidedly the most economical we have heard of, for the patentee undertakes to supply the disinfectant and regularly j emove the contents, for the sum of twenty shillings a year. The purifying effect of carbolic acid is so well known, that it is at once seen that besides disinfecting and deodorising the matter and fixing the gases, it has a beneficial effect on all other gases winch may be floating in the vicinity where it is placed. Whether it is such a success as is reported by many can" easily be tested in Auckland, by a competent committee appointed by the Council. Let the earth closet be compared as tested, as against it by the same tribunal. The co t is too trifling when compared to the importance of the consequences, to be urged as an obstacle. After a fair and full test, the Council will be in the best possible position to decide on what is the best system to introduce; and the citizens will, we doubt not, cheerfully accept and abide by their decision and choice.