Taranaki Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1015.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1915, Page 4

Taranaki Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1015.

THE TOWN'S SANITATION'. The discussion which took place at the last meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board relative to the control of sanitary matters in New (Plymouth is likely to give a misleading impression as to the condition of the town. Taken as a whole the town is healthy, though it must he admitted there are a few places that need drastic treatment—have, in fact, been a scandal for some time past. The Borough Council came in for a gooil deal of hostile criticism at the hands of members of the Hospital Board, but some allowance must be made for collateral circumstances that the critics did not mention. With that, however, we are not concerned, the main point being the imperative necessity for getting rid of all insanitary conditions so as to ensure a clean hill of health. The question is which body—the Board or the Councilshould have the sole control of health matters in the borough? The Council is primarily concerned, hut it has the power to delegate its authority and control to the Board. The crux of the matter is the appointment of an inspector possessing the right qualifications for the important duties to be carried out, and one who, armed with the necessary authority, will use his powers effectively and without fear or favor. Some time back the Council did invest the Board with the control of health matters and contributed to the salary of an ollicer appointed for that purpose, but the result was not a success, and the needed sweeping away of condemned buildings did not eventuate. It is also admitted that tiie present system is not a success, as the ollicer employed by the Council has far too many duties to perform to enable those pertaining to sanitation to be properly carried out,- besides which he does wot possess the necessary technical knowledge relative to precautions to be taken to prevent an outbreak of disease. Of course, the aid of the Health Department can be invoked, but that would imply a state of affairs by no means flattering to the town. In this matter there should he no haggling over expense. Tlie health of the town is of paramount importance, to keep it in a thoroughly sanitary condition is a duty as well as an act of wise policy, and to uproot all likely breeding grounds for germs or harbor for rats is an imperative necessity, irespeclive of the cost. Especially is (his so in connection with, all buildings used for the sale or storage of food, and particular attention should he directed to this duty, for it cannot he denied that there is a pressing need in one or more cases. The Council has now in force a very comprehensive system of bye-laws, and it would appear that the present time is opportune for malting an appointment of a qualified and energetic health officer, who would round up all offenders and adopt thewe "■■"WftuSans which would prevent disease

and inakc the town thoroughly sanitary. Tlio obligation imposed on the Council iu this connection is not one to be disregarded or treated lightly. Although the town is remarkably free from insanitation as a whole, the citizens rely on the Council to protect them as far as possible from all danger of infectious germs and the evii effects of other nuisances. The health of the town is one of Us chief assets, for unless that is secured it will be idle to expect that visitors will come here to spend their holidays, or that prospective residents will be secured. The Council may well give the matter serious consideration. Before the town can be put in a sanitary state the stream that pollutes the centre of the town will have to be diverted or culverted. At present it is but a harborage for rats and a depository for rubbish, and an ( accumulation of filth. This really lies at the root of the town's present insanitation, and the sooner the fact is recognised the better.will it be for the health of the town.