HOUSINGS SUBSTANDARD IN PAS, SAYS INSPECTOR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 1, 27 September 1950, Page 5

HOUSINGS SUBSTANDARD IN PAS, SAYS INSPECTOR

As the result of a complaint by a resident, a detailed inspection of two Maori pas had been carried out and housing conditions had been found to be substandard and privy conditions inadequate, said the sanitary inspector, Mr R. D. Sterling, in his report to the Whakatane County Council yesterday.

His report read:— Food Premises: After last month’s survey more detailed inspections have been carried out, and where required notices and letters have been forwarded to bring about more sanitary conditions. The majority of proprietors, made a genuine effort to bring about a higher standard of cleanliness within their premises after verbal requests, others made very little effort, and it was in some instances necessary to serve notices.

One new eating house has been licensed within the County (Te Whaiti). These premises were inspected before the licence was issued, and except for a few minor defects, were found to be satisfactory.

Forty-nine inspections were carried out during the period.

General Inspections: A detailed inspection of two Maori Pas was carried out, as the result of a complaint by one of the residents. - Housing conditions were found to be sub-standard, and privy accommodation inadequate.

A plan of a suitable pit privy has been prepared and it is hoped to encourage the residents of these pas to install individual privies for each household in lieu of the community type now in use. Public Halls Public halls within the County have been found to vary somewhat in regard to compliance with health regulations. As requested at the last Council meeting investigations into whether some of the halls, utilised for dancing etc., were provided with sinks and hot water. It was found that these facilities were only provided in some instances, a cop-per-boiler and bath-tub being utilised in other cases.

After serving notices on the owners of the Te Teko Hall, a reply was received from a member of the estate. It stated that Mr G. Park would meet his partners on September 22 to 24 with the view of either renovating the hall or making it a Public Memorial. Since then, Mr Rondon, licensee of the hall, has advised Mr S. Shapley to commence the work required. A notice was also forwarded to the owner of the Te Whaiti hall requesting more suitable privy accommodation. A further inspection of this hall proved that no effort had been made to carry out the necessary improvements. Suitable privy and urinal accommodation was requested. Inspections carried out, 25. Habitations. These were mainly inspected as the result of complaints and have either been reported, or have had notices served, on the owners, requesting improvements.

Bad C^se One very bad case of over-crowd-ing and insanitary living conditions was reported in full on September 5.

Eleven dwellings were inspected

Plumbing and Drainage: Seven inspections have been carried out and in four instances septic tanks were installed. In two instances de ■ fective work was noted. Interviews: During this period 73 interviews took place concerning work in hand.

Letters and Notices: Letters (21) have been forwarded to food premises requesting improvements, also to various persons in regard to the necessity to obtain building permits from the County.

Notices (7) have, been forwarded to rectify the following: Two defective dwellings; one defective drainage; two bakehouses re cleansing; one grocer shop re cleansing; progress has been made in these instances. One hall as before mentioned has not complied with the notice served.

Building Inspections: Thirty-nine inspections were carried out, mainly further to last periods inspec tions. The use of light timber for the construction of dwellings still continues.