SANITATION OF THE TOWN

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2050, 10 April 1907, Page 3

SANITATION OF THE TOWN

PROPOSED BUILDING BY-LAAV

One of the points emphasised by one of the medical gentlemen recently interviewed by the Times regarding infectious diseases was brought before tlie Borough Council last night by the following letter from the District Health Officer:- — “I have the honor to refer you to one of the reconimmenclat ions that I made in my first report on your town in 1900 when I was Health Commissioner: —The building of houses well raised up from the ground. As I pointed out on that ocasion, ground air is always foul iiir, and when the floor of the house is in close proximity with the soi), the ground air is sucked up into the house by the heat within, to the detriment of the health of the residents. I again recommend, in the interests of the health of the Gisborne community, that you should pass a by-law that every house.that is built should have the floor raised at least two feet above the level of the earth, and have good cross ventilation beneath to minimise the danger of tho ground air entering the building, I feel convinced that if this were done it would reduce, the number of cases of diphtheria in your town, and in other ways conduce to the sanitary welfare of tho inhabitants. I would further recommend that the earth beneath the building be coated with tar or some other impervious matter. The cost would not he great, and would probably be more than recouped by the lessened expense entailed by sickness, and could be immedi-

atoly mot by some lcssouod ornamentation on the outsido of the building. Dr. DoLislo said that it would ho quite a year before such work could he started. They lin'd a scheme from Mr. Mostayor, hut it would probably he necessary to get him to visit tho town again to allow l’or its growth in his systom. ’[’lie matter was dropped. Tlie Mayor said there was no bylaw oil the matter. Cr. AVebh saiil it was a difficult question. The Mayor said no doubt the doctor had seen some of the houses in had positions, and could therefore speak with authority. Cr. Colley said that usually when houses were raised the space beneath was close-lion riled lip. The Clerk said that a provision lo make houses level with tho crown of tlie road had been dropped. Tlie matter could he got over by instructing the Building Overseer to see that all houses wore kept two feet above tho ground. Cr. Sheridan moved that the Building Overseer bo instructed to see that in future sufficient air space was provided below the houses. The motion was carried.