The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 17, 1915. THE AWAHOU DRAIN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1511, 17 February 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 17, 1915. THE AWAHOU DRAIN.

WE don’t like playing the role of scaremonger, but in the interests of the health of the community we must draw the attention of the Council to the urgent necessity of dealing with the Awahou drain from Johnston Street, to the outlet. At present it is nothing less than an open sewer and despite the Council’s precautions, house drainage finds its way into the drain. During the summer months very little water finds its way along the bed and the effluvium is very objectionable. As we have previously pointed out, it is a prolific breeding ground for disease germs which are spread in all directions and we have the best authority for, stating that it is one of the principal causes of infantile diseases which are prevalent in the community. It is practically impossible to prevent children from playing in the drain and if they are at all run down, disease germs fasten on them with resultant sickness and probably death. In the winter the drain is flushed and the danger to health minimised. The question of cost is of minor importance and a loan spread over the whole borough would hardly be felt. For years complaints have been made about the drain and unless the local authority take steps to remedy the evil, then the health authority must take the matter up. We feel sure the Council will not allow the matter to pass out of their hands under compulsion but will have the work done before next summer is upon us.