LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 794, 8 January 1877, Page 3

LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

Monday, January 8. The Local Board of Health met at noon, Present—Messrs F. Hobbs (chairman), Harman, Duncan, Tancred, Hall, Jones, and E. G. Wright. The chairman said that the committee appointed to consider the duties of the medical officer had drawn up a report, which was before the Board The application of the Board to the City Council for the sum in aid of the Board had been deferred, but he believed if a more specific application were made stating the sum which would be required, on condition of the Local Board taking over the departments hitherto paid by the city they would be willing to pay a contribution. Before the Board of Health took over the matters under the Act the Inspector of Nuisances, and medical officer coat the city £305, and they would not, he thought, object to pay, say £350 on consideration of the Board taking over the whole control of the sanitary matters bo far as the removal of the night soil, rubbish, &c. The opinion of the solicitor to the Board aa to the question remitted to him by the Board was read as follows: — “ Christchurch, 21st December.

“ Sir, —Referring to the question submitted by your letter of the 19tb instant, I am of opinion that the Local Board of Health though identical with the Christchurch District Drainage Board cannot apply or use the funds of the Drainage Board for the purposes of the Public Health Act, 1876, because they are not rates or monies applicable for the purpose within sub-section 4 of the section of the Act, By section 6, each Local Board of Health is intended to include the governing body in municipal matters of the district over which such body exercises jurisdiction, and that sub-section 4 of section 16, provides for the application of the general rates and moneys therein mentioned at the control of such body to defraying the expenses of working the Health Act. As, however, the proviso of section 16 of the Public Health Act makes the Christchurch District Drainage Board the sole local Board'of Heclth within the district over which the authority of the Drainage Board • for drainage purposes extends. and excludes at least partially the operation of section 6, the only interpretation which will give effect to sub-section 4 is that the Board of Health has power to direct the expenses of working the Health Act to be bom proportionately by the Christchurch City Council and the various Road Boards within the area of the Christchurch Prainage district ; the Health Act, however, does not contain the machinery enabling the Local Board of Health to enforce the payment of moneys so directed, as the process would probably be available at the Instance of a loca : Board of Health within section 6 of the : ot, I do not think it is so to the Board of Health, constituted under the 15th section, and that further legislation will consequently be required. I have, &c, “F. J. Garrick,” Some discussion ensued, and ultimately it was decided that it would be very much better for the Board to borrow the necessary funds from the Drainage Board and recoup the loan next year. It therefore was resolved that mo further application should be made for funds, and that the Board should also take over the scavenging and night soil removal contracts. Some discussion ensued as to obtaining improved office accommodation, and ultimately it was decided to retain the offices as at present occupied, for the present at least. The report of the chief inspector of nuisances was read, reporting that he had visited Mr Holler’s soap boiling establishment cm the Ferry road, near Christchurch quay. He had also visited various portions of the district, and submitted remarks upon his vi'dts.

It was resolved to call the atten ion of Mr Horle.r to danse 76, and express : a op.oion that Mr Hosier should remove his trade to some moro sequestered spot. Aj tide was the opinion of the Board, it would bo as well £or him to consider whether it would not bo better to desist from putting additional. buildings on the site.

A letter was read f rom Mr Clark, calling attention to a stagnant pool on the land of Mr W. Wilson, Barber street, Ferry road. It was resolved that the inspector give notice that the pool must be filled up within three months. A letter was received from Mr S. Gow, complaining of the filthy state of the East Town Belt side channels &c. It was resolved to forward the letter to the Heathcote Koad Board with a request that the side channels be cleared out as early as possible. A letter was read from the Eiccarton Road Board, declining to accede to the request of the local Board of health for a contribution towards the cost of working the Public Health Act, 1876, The report of the committee appointed to draw up the duties of the medical officer was read, recommending that jthe salary of the medical officer should be £3OO per annum, the engagement to terminable by three months’ notice, A lengthy discussion ensued as to the salary to be paid to the medical officer, and ultimately Mr Duncan moved—“ That the sum of £3OO be altered to £250, and that subject to this amendment the report be adopted.” Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved to advertise for applications for medical officer, to come in on or before next meeting day. It was resolved to communicate with the City Council, asking them whether they would be willing to hand over the scavenger to the Board. On the suggestion of Mr Jones, it was also resolved to write to the City Council asking for the use of the reserves for night soil now used by them. The Board then adjourned for a fortnight.