A WORTHY EXAMPLE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 976, 24 March 1871, Page 3

A WORTHY EXAMPLE.

In one of the small suburbs of Melbourne a resolution has been passed by the Municipal Council that is deserving of the imitation of more pretentious communities. That sensible little body of men have resolved that the people whose interests repose in their hands shall not be poisoned ; and out of the doubtless small resources of their treasury have set apart the sum of ,£2O for the employment .of professional assistance in analysing the foods and drinks supplied within the limits of the corporation. The subject in which the Town Council of Prahran have thus shown a practical interest to the extent of their ability is one of no ordinary importance; for few, we believe, in the community are conscious of the extent io which noxious substances are partaken in meat and drink. Our Licensing Act, advanced legislation though it is, ha 3 not Che machinery so complete as that in recent Melbourne legislation for detecting deleterious • concoctions. But there is nothing in the provisions of our Act in any form incompatible with action on the part of any local authority similar to that which has been taken by the Town Couu,cil of Prahran. The sum there allocated is indeed small, and in proportion to the resources of the local treasury; but if wisely dispensed, as it doubtless will be by a Council actuated by such proper motives, it may be made to do good service in the cause of public health. It 13 to ,be observed that it is intended to be but supplemental to the ordinary means at the d sposal of the Council, and is probably only to be availed of when unusual difficulty compels the precuring of professional assistance. Surely this is a subject that might receive She attention of our civil authorities ; or, like much besides, must be deferred till we are blessed with the long-expected corporation ? The small sum which was spared by the guardians of the municipal purse of the little Victorian township might surely be spared by our City JBoard ; and, as guardians of the interests of the citizens, a matter so affecting the health and even lives of the people cannot be considered beneath their cognizance. A small allowance from the common fund of the citizens, aided by such machinery as we have provided in our own statute i>ook, might, at least have a deterrent -effect on the use of noxious substances jn food and drink; and, far beyond the results of a like amount otherwise expended, might conduce to the healrh and the happiness of the community. —Daily Southern Cross.