Pukekohe's Sanitation.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 404, 27 August 1918, Page 2

Pukekohe's Sanitation.

PUKenune s aaiutanun (To the Editor.) Sir- One reads a little and hears a lot about sickness in Pukekohe. but much one never learns at all. It is gross neglert on the part of the controlling hody of any town not to use its powers and have a general clean up when such is necessary. As regards Pukekohe, the writer considers it in a bad sanitary state I and would suggest that there be appointtd a Sanitary Inspector, who is also Inspector of Nuisances. This man would preferably be an outside plumber with more than usual ability. The office would require to be held by a man who did not fear 1 the public—even the Mayor and I Councillors. A man in such apposition does not want too many friends. / Engage a man say for 12 months or

more and give him full power on by-lawa made and a chance to see them adhered to. Pukekohe, for its size, has not an equal to my know* ledge as regards the disposing of drainage. lam not asking for an apology for want of drainage due to war. Get to work now and fix up many things that are urgently wanted and safeguard the health of the young children. First adopt the pan system and be more frequent; second, make an inspection of septic tanks in use—remember all tanks do ! not work some throw out only disease germs. Third, the Council should now draft the by-laws it will use when drainage is going to be put down. A copy of Wellington by-laws would be good enough, but be certain of your choice — Dunedin differs for one). All work on new buildings or alterations should be carried out to these bylaws, thus obviating what in most cases would be a second expense to owner. A Council pass could be given for work thus done. Many residents when shewn the errors of their present systems would gladly seek relief and perhaps even patch their drainage up to hold good till the sewer is laid. Where it could be proved a nuisance existed the property owner would have no option but to put it light. If the Inspector was a capable man and knew the proposed routes of the sewers there would be little difficulty to lead waste pipes to proper positions. Pukekohe cannot long refuse to do its duty to its inhabitants. The summer is coming. The town, at present having a good many cases of sickness in its midst, should be forced to clean up by a stern Government Health Department. Pukekohe now wants a man te come out and expose its condition. A suffering public could but return gratitude to him. Leave all you fancy touches as regards electric light till the public health is protected.—l am, etc., R.P.