PUBLIC HEALTH.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 60, 18 December 1924, Page 2

PUBLIC HEALTH.

IN GROWING CENTRES. Position at Putaruru. By-laws Very Necessary. Waharoa Also Mentioned. Regarding sanitation at Putaruru, the district Health Officer, Auckland, Dr. T. J. Hughes, wrote as follows to Friday’s meeting of the Matamata County Council: “I took the opportunity of viewing the sections at Putaruru recently, and certainly the position is most unsatisfactory, owing to the small sizes into which the land is being - cut up. When the sections are sold at the back of those sections fronting the main street, it means that all night-soil, refuse, etc., will have to be carted through the shops, etc., unless the provision of a right-of-way at the back of the various premises is afforded. The carting of night-soil through the premises cannot be allowed, and, under such circumstances, I am of opinon that the premises would be quite unsatisfactory and liable to require a closing order to be put into force. “ My inspection, as far as time permitted, confirmed the fact that the sanitary conditions are most unsatisfactory at the present time, that they will become still more acute within a short period, and that it is necessary that the council, as the local authority responsible, for the public health of the district should take steps at once in order to protect the same, more particularly at Putaruru, and take up this matter with the owners of the property, drawing up sanitary, building and other necessary by-Jaws to safeguard the public.” The council’s solicitors wrote pointing out that the council could make by-laws to provide for the matters complained of at Putaruru by the health officer, such by-laws to be applicable to the area or areas defined by the council.

The chairman (Cr. J. W. Anderson) said he thought that if the by-laws were framed they should apply to Waharoa, too, as they would also become necessary there in due course. Other members said the by-laws could be framed for Putaruru now and be applied to other centres as became necessary. They would also probably have to be applied to Tirau in due course.

The chairman: I don't think so, as they have the water supply scheme at Tirau, and may have septic tanks there. TOWN BOARD SUGGESTED. Cr. S. H. Judd: Is there no way to induce the people of Putaruru to form a town board ? The chairman: I think there is sufficient people there, but most are more in favour of a special rating area, getting the work done through the council. Cr. E. J. Darby: Yes. They wash to save overhead charges. I would be willing to go round with a petition to ascertain the support for a special rating area. The engineer: A by-law is required providing that if anyone builds on the whole of his frontage he must have a rear entrance to the property. Cr. J. Pohlen: If they are not prepared to form a town board and do the work themselves, we will have to institute a sanitary service. The engineer: A full survey of the town is another matter which is also necessary, to fix levels, etc. This would not cost much. The chairman: I move that Cr. Darby's offer to go round with a petition be accepted. The motion was carried. Crs. Judd and Pohlen agreed that the town board seemed absolutely the best proposition for Putaruru.