BOROUGH SANITATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 626, 10 December 1913, Page 5

BOROUGH SANITATION.

o—o DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL. The necessity for drainage in a new and growing town is a matter which confronts the local authorities and frequently cuses them grave concern. The installing of an efficient drainage scheme is always a costly thing and a careful watch has to be kept on the growing requirements in this direction in order to safeguard the public health. The question has been discussed from time to time by the Te Kuiti Borough Council, and there is little fear that it will be allowed to be neglected by those responsible. At Monday evening's meeting of ihe following motion, of which notice had been given, was proposed by Cr Martin:—"That the Te Kuiti Borough Council apply to ,the Public Health Department to send an officer down to inspect and report upon the drainage and water supply, and the methods adopted for the destruction of garbage and refuse of this borough, and to furnish any recommendations to the council for the proper carrying out of these important sanitary laws." The motionw as seconded pro forma by Cr Mafabett. Cr Martin paid, in moving the motion, he considered it was one of the moat important measures in any council toattsnl to drainage, neglect of which was a menace to the public health, Open drains existed in the town, and stagnant drainage was lying and throwing oil offensive odours, The geogsphice; formation of the town was such that much of the drainage from the hills flowed to the hollow coitions. He was aware that a big question ao to ways and means was opened up by the motion, still they could not go wrong in having a report from the Health Department in the interests of the health of the town. Cr Somerville said with respect to the health of the borough we had one of the cleanest slates in the Dominion. Reports had been previously received from the Health Department both from Dr Makgill and the inspector. A visit of inspection was paid to the town twice a week by the inspector, and the council was keeping the matter of sanitation well in view. All the councillors were anxious to preserve the health of the town equally with Cr Martin, but they were faced with a formidable consideration in the shape of finance.

Cp Mostyn Jones spoke in a similar strain, and expressed sympathy with the mover's idea, but considered a further report unnecessary. Cr Walsh questioned iC DrMakgill's report would be valuable in view _of his previous suggestions concerning the drainage already installed. The septic tank had been placed just above the school and when a protest was made originally it was stated by the health authorities that nothing objectionable would result. Subsequently a letter was received advising them not to allow the children to bathe below the tank, and he understood now that Dr Mskgill advised the removal of the tank further down the river. Cr Mabbett said he thought it was not too soon to start matters in train with a view to extending the drainage service. The Mayor congratulated Cr Martin on the active interest he displaved in the matter. However, the subject was one which was continually corning up for discussion and there was no fear of it being overlooked. Already several reports had been before the council, including ons from Dr Makgiil, and the health inspector visited the town twice a week. They were quite aware that objectionable features in respect to drainage existed, but little could be done beyond what was already being carried out, until a comprehensive extension was warranted. He_ was assured by an engineer whose opinion he valued that the cost of an extension to be of practical service would be about £20,000. He did not think any of the councillors were prepared at present to face such an expenditure. He sympathised with the mover's intention and trusted hewould understand the criticism of his motion was not antagonistic. Cr Martin, in reply, said he fully realised the position. The discussion I might do a Httie good and it would serve to keep the matter in view and let the ratepayers know that such an important subject was not being nei glected.