PUBLIC HEALTH.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1013, 31 December 1910, Page 6

PUBLIC HEALTH.

CONFERENCE AT ELTHAM. THE ACT CRITICISED., " | On Wednesday a conference of representatives of Taranaki local bodies, convened by Dr. , Valintino (InspectorGeneral of Hospitals) was held in the Borough Chambers, Eltham, to discuss certain matters iii connection with the administration of the Public Health Act (says the Eltham "Argus"). Mr. Cam-, Won (Stratford Hospital Board) was voted to tho chair, aud the following delegates were. also present Messrs. M» St f S < M «y° r . of Stratford), Smart, n«lv At 'J Tu' '^ ax, Tell aud Kennedy (Stratford Hospital Board), E. Lo P ar yor of Ha wera), W. Duirs, Groodland (Hawera County Council), NoJan Parrmgton J Marx, J. Phillips, nikfn a 5 ° r V C -- n r)avis ( Hawera P™ l Board), E. Parrott (Mayor of ElW.T. A. Bridges (Waimate .County Council) Mr. B. Dive, M.P., Dr. Valin'Mr",r-. B ' Gardiner (District th Inspector) were also present. ,-r-,\? lintino that the object oi the meeting was to consider the best means of carrying out certain protons of . the Public Health Act, notary in regard to infectious diseases. He believed that the principle that the nospital boards were the proper authority to administer the Act must be trencially affirmed.- It -was'hoped that the nospital boards would undertake all the responsibilities in regard to. hospitals intcctious diseases, and. poor law, making'the administration more efficient, the proposed scheme of co-operation and co-ordination would make for greater efficiency and greater economy s all round. Briefly, he proposed that all the local authorities should waive their responsibilities under the Public Health c , s v, " ou 'd mean a certain amount of added responsibility for the hospital boards, but it would pay- the borough and county councils. He would'suggest that the local authorities appoint an inspecting officer, for ...Hawera, Eltham, and Stratford. The salary and travelling allowances of such an officer would amount to about £250, and with the Government subsidy this would amount to £125. Ho would suggest that tho officer-have his office in,Eltham. .In addition to controlling outbreaks of infectious disease tho officer - would attend to other matters which would bo to the advantago of the district generally. The. officer would .also act as inspector under tho Sale of Foods and Drugs Act, .and send samples to Wellington, for analysis. V

Mr. Barton criticised the Act, especially Section .83, . and objected to local bodies waiving their rights in the matter of _ rating and borrowing. He also, criticised ,at length certain statements in Dr. Valintine's,circular to tho local bodies. . . Dr. Valintine. replied .that he . was guided by tho opinion of tho SolicitorGeneral'. He added that if the Hawera Borough Council'could not/see'its way clear, to waive their: responsibilities it could simply. refuse to agree to tho proposal. Mr. Barton said he was there to seok information and did not see why. tho .discussion should bo cut short. Ho held that Dr. Valintine's arguments .regarding ceonomy of adminiSration fell to the ground. \\ , Dr. Valintine said -he .did not profess to have the . legal knowledgo t of Mr. Barton, but lie was trying to save the local bodies money. ■ Reference was made by Mr. Barton to the carrying out of scavenging and cleaning work by local bodies, and tho way in which such bodies would be affected l if they waived their -rights in borrowing and rating. He hold that Dr.; Valintino was asking ;the ' local bodies to go into the mouse-trap and foot, tho bill., They were being asked to add to .'the taxation without getting 'any corresponding advantage. Dr.'Valintine: If you think -we -are trying to got at you the best way is . not to come. in. '' Mr. Barton: We have inspection now, but, if we go in for this proposal we ■shall have to foot you* bill.. V After , a good deal of further .discussion, a motion, moved by Mr.' Marx,. 1 and seconded by Mr. Cameron, was unanimously agreed to:. That.it be a recommendation ito the Hawera and ■ Stratford Hospital Boards to join for ,the purpose of' appointing an inspector under the Public Health Act, and that such inspector be located at Eltham. ■