HEALTH MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1922, Page 5

HEALTH MATTERS.

INSPECTION OF INTERIOR OF HOUSES. STRONG PLEA TO MINISTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Surprising statements were made to the Minister of Health (Hon. C. J. Parr) by a deputation from the executive of the New Zealand Federation of Master Painters. The speakers urged there was need for more inspection of the intereior of houses to prevent the covering up of old scrim, which harbored vermin, and was a menace to health. They appreciated the energy of the Minister in insisting on cleanliness and sanitation, but they desired that an interior inspection of buildings should be carried out. At present, the front yards and back yards, also the sinks, were inspected and that was as far as i ispection went. What they wanted was to have the whole house inspected once a year. The Minister inquired wherein lay the danger inside a house. The president replied that it was in connection with old scrim, which they were covering up day in and day out. There was filth that he was sure the Minister had no idea of in this old scrim, especially on ceilings, where it afforded a harbor for numerous bugs.

Speakers also stated that they wanted painters to be licensed and registered in the same way as plumbers. Inspection inside was equally important with the inspection of plumpers work. The Minister said he appreciated their support in the clean-up campaign. He had been astounded, on making visits, at the condition of some of the places, but he hoped that the local authorities and his own officers were now keeping a close eye on kitchens and shops and stores. What they had said was news to him, and he thought it would be to many people. He could not make any promise as to what action would be taken. If it meant an additional expense he could not look at it just now, but if it were a case of reorganising inspection only there was no reason why their request should not be complied with. Local authorities, under the recent Health Act, had ample power for interior inspection and to make cleansing orders. He would confer with his officers in regard to their requests.