The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 4, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1267, 4 July 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 4, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

We urge upon householders to take every precaution against the spread ot diphtheria by keeping their dwellings, yards and drains in a sanitary condition by the free use of suitable disinfectants. Quite a number of people have sunk holes in their back yards into which is drained all kinds of greasy liquid. There is no air vent to these pits or death traps, and being covered over, the obnoxious and poisonous gases find an exit back through the pipes and into the dwellings. In other yards, tanks without a bottom, are let into the ground and allowed to fill and overflow — another fruitful breeding ground for disease germs. It is far safer to run the bouse water,, etc. on the surface of the ground where the sun and air can operate. All refuse should be gathered and burnt. Fowls should be banned in small back areas near dwellings as they are very susceptible to diphtheria. As we previously pointed out the Council should lose no time in broadening the scope of the nuisance inspector, and ignorant and indifferent citizens made to realise the danger that lurks in dirty premises and back yards. With no prospect of a water and drainage system,, the Council must use its best efforts to enforce sanitary conditions on the inhabitants.