CHECKING OVERCROWDING.

Taihape Daily Times, 3 December 1918, Page 3

CHECKING OVERCROWDING.

BILL BEING PREPARED. WELLINGTON, Nov 28. The Minister of Health was subject to a lively fire of questions on~ matters relating to the epidemic again today. Mr. Ell asked Mr. Russell what steps his Department was taking to enforce the clauses of the Act aimed against overcrowding in cities. The Minister assured the member that the Public Health Bill, which is in course of preparation, would leave no doubt on whom would lay the responsibility in cases of overcrowding. Mr. Russell stated that instructions had been issued to hospital boards to make provision enabling the people in country districts to obtain alcohol, say at the local post offices or some convenient places, on doctors' orders. In response to appeals by members for State relief for sufferers, the Min- j ister announced that returns were being obtained in order to secure an approximate idea of cases in which a I direct grant or subsidy for relief I would be warranted. Immediately the returns were ready the matter would be sent to Cabinet. Dr. Thacker suggested that the Government should reimburse the city, borough and county councils to the extent of 20 per cent on the yearly rates to enable them to do essential relief and preventive work immediately. Sir Joseph Ward replied that this was a very important matter, but the Government. should know all that was involved in the request, and for what the expense had been incurred. The Government, he said, had already I shown its willingness to help. : Dr. Thacker: It is not willingness i they want, it is money. Sir Joseph Ward: • I will Look into it. :