An Objectionable Practice.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 307, 7 January 1902, Page 3

An Objectionable Practice.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, —Kindly allow mo space in your valuable columns to refer to and protest against an abominablo practice which seems to be common in your town, the disgusting and insanitary habit of expectorating on the footpaths. When walking along Gladstone Road, in the busiest part of the town, a few days ago, I could not but notice tho extent to which this habit is carriod on. In places the footpath was literally flooded by loungers and passersby spitting on it. Though Maoris and half-castes appeared to bo the chief offenders, yet the pakehas are' not guiltless. Now, it is well-known that tho microbes of some diseases, notably of consumption and asthma, are carried in the expectorations of persons suffering from those diseases. Any persons who have occasion to travel the footpaths of Gisborne must of necessity carry some of these microbes on their boots or cloth.ng, and thus introduce disease into their homes. This is a serious matter, and should be dealt with by those whose business it is to attend to the sanitary condition of the town. Gisborne has not an enviable reputation as regards public health, and no pains should be spared to disprove the slur, rightly or wrongly cast on it. Other towns have by-laws providing for the punishment of offenders in this respect, and why should your town be unprogressive in such an important matter? Thanking you in anticipation for the space allowed me. —I am, etc., Visitor.