DIRTY HABITS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4998, 9 July 1926, Page 2

DIRTY HABITS.

OFFENCES IN PAEROA STREETS.

DUST AND EXPECTORATING.

With the prevailing wave of mild influenza and heavy colds the time,is opportune tor local bodies to insist °n the, enforcement of certain by-laws. It is not nice to draw attention to disgusting habits and their results but it is quite time Attention was drawn to the unhygienic way the footpaths of Paeroa a,re allowed to . be* used. The habit of expectorating seems to be on the increase, but it should be checked and put down with a firm hand. Warning should lie; given to people that expectorating on the footpaths will not be tolerated, and if this has no effect, then measures should be taken to suppress it by prosecution. Spitting is a prolific source for the rapid spread of disease germs. Pedestrians carry these on the footwear, and, what is worse still, bare-footed children gather them up," and the germs find their’ way into people’s homes. There is no knowing what possibilities might follow 1 as the sequence- of such accidental acts. An effort should be made to keep our town clean and healthy. SWEEPING FOOTPATHS. ‘ Another undesirable practice which appears to- he on the increase in the majn street is that of shopkeepers allowing the sweeping of footpaths and the. shaking of doormats to be done during the time hundreds of children are passing along the street on their way to school. Some shop .assistants have not even the decency to pause in their sweeping whilepedestriains pass. It is a common sight to see clouds of dust arising from .the' shaking ot mats or sweeping in the mornings. It -is reasonable to suggest that little children should be protected from dust and germ-lajlen air as they pas's along -the main footwalks, and this' could- very easily be done if shopkeepers would carry out their sweeping either before or after • the children have passed to school. There are some retailers who by the use of water and disinfectant make an honest endeavour to minimise the. dust rising, but there are many who show ;no regard,for the laws Of "health. .