The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 844, 8 March 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1877.

We are glad to notice that a conference is proposed between the two bodies who —in sanitary matters—rule Christchurch. We allude to the Drainage Board and City Council. To those who have studied the course of events during the past few weeks it must have been evident that clashing between them was imminent. Both — to a great extent at least—occupied the same ground, and latterly, since the appointment of a Borough Inspector, performed very much the same duties. The latter has, since his appointment, shown himself very energetic, and unless some such conference as proposed takes place, it is more than probable that the ratepayers will find themselves in the unpleasant dilemma of having two Inspectors on their premises at once. This we feel sure no one would desire; besides, between the two, who might give directly opposite orders, the unfortunate householder would be bound to make his appearance in Court. Such a state of things, apart from the inconvenience, would result in a total stoppage of the work of sanitary inspection so much needed. Therefore it is that we heartily approve of the proposed conference, and hope it will result in something practical. How the Drainage Board, in its capacity as the Local Board of Health, can arrange matters with the City Council we do not know. For a time at any rate tue Board will find plenty of useful works in the suburbs. The report of the Health Officer shows how needful it is that a thorough supervision should be exercised over the (sanitary condition of the districts outside the belts. The residents there should be compelled to adopt the same precautions as those living in the city itself. It will be noticed that the greater part of the disease comes from the suburbs, and that because, without the advantages of side-channei flushings, and visits of nuisance inspectors, to partially ward off the evil effects, the residents are infinitely more careless and neglectful of the commonest sanitary precautious. But with the Drainage Board keeping a vigilant eye over them, and under the large powers granted to it as a Local Board of Health, compelling the adoption of necessary rules for the preservation of health, this will be changed, and a decrease in the sickness of the district generally will surely follow. Hitherto the suburbs have received but slight attention at the hands of the Drainage Board. Their large scheme, if it be carried out, is for the benefit of the city, although the ratepayers in the suburbs have to bear their share of the expense. Those districts, therefore, are justly entitled to some consideration at their hands, and any immediate steps which can be taken for improving their sanitary condition are justly their due. We hope, therefore, the City Council and the Drainage Board will come to an amicable understanding at the coming conference.