The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, FEBRUARY 7, 1901. HEALTH MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 32, 7 February 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, FEBRUARY 7, 1901. HEALTH MATTERS.

Wb are afraid that our report of last night’s meeting of the Hospital Trustees, taken together with the report of the Borough Council on the previous evening, will give our readers more to ponder over than is desirable. When the fact that a case of scarlet fever had broken out in town came to our knowledge it was merely mentioned in a casual way, so that needless alarm would not be created ; but the tune has now gone by for adopting such methods. It is evident that instead of the public mind being allayed, it is necessary to arouse the public to a sense of the danger. On one evening we find the Council referring the matter to the Hospital Trustees—five Trustees having seats at the Council table at the time—and last night we find it referred back to the Council—five Councillors sitting at the Board’s table when this was done. In fairness, it must be said that there has been a want of knowledge as to the duties involved ; but it is evident that if the matter is to be shelved until the next ordinary meeting of the Council, a dangerous farce is being played. By that time, many things might happen for good or bad. The fact that a case of scarlet fever has been 'brought to the town is not so alarming a matter as some people seem to believe; but it is most disquieting that the matter should be so lightly treated at the stage when it might be prevented from spreading further. The Board of Health should meet without delay, and at least let people sec that all precautions are being taken.