PLAGUE TIME IN AUCKLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 109, 16 January 1912, Page 8

PLAGUE TIME IN AUCKLAND.

EATS TO BE HARRIED.

Desiring to profit by the experiences of tlie past, the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. 0. J. Parr) is particularly anxious to try and counteract any possibility of an outbreak of plague in Auckland; this year. "We have had it with us in the » autumn months for. some few years past," he said to an Auckland reporter; "last year's outbreak being the worst. For the past six months, thanks. to the vigorous campaign against rats and an improving sta,te of cleanliness, we have luckily ibeen quite clear of the plague. However, the dangerous months am now at hand l —February, March, and April." Mr. Parr considers that in view of the great damage done to the whole com* munity froin sources both at hdtnfe 'and* abroad by the occurrence of even a 1 single case of plague that no efforts should be spared to keep the city- freq * from the reproach of plague infection. "I would, therefore," he eaid, "appeal .. to citizens to combine with us in making war against the rats, which unfortunately are still plentiful." _ Mr. Parr said he was in communication with the chairman of the Harbon Board (Mr. J. H. Gunson), for the purpose of securing co-operation by making the home for the shipping rat as uncom- ; fortable as possible. He remarkedjthat in Sydney the health authorities assured him that most danger in regard to plague outbreaks arose from the rats ott the shore front. The same doubtless applied in Auckland. He suggested that residents should systematically lay poison and 'keep all food in rat-proof receptacles. By so doing he .believed that, any further scare would be avoided.