THE PUBLIC ILL-HEALTH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2038, 26 April 1890, Page 3

THE PUBLIC ILL-HEALTH.

In these insanitary times, with their inevitable natural consequences in the horrible forms of typhoid, diptheria, and fevers of low and intermittent types, is it not pitiable to behold the fatal indecision and absence of energy displayed by “ the powers that be,” in grappling with the causes productive of these insidious and malignant foes to human happiness and even life itself ? While the newspapers constantly and faithfully chronicle the appearance of an array of fell diseases, not only in crowded and pestiferous neighbourhoods, but likewise in the isolated favorite retreats secured by the well-to-do classes, the population is becoming decimated by the inroads of monsters of our own creation, no man taking it to heart. How frequently is it the case that any movement towards the improvement of a certain locality is not initiated until reports of deaths —gratutious and preventive—are published! Only then are enquiries made and proofs obtained by examination and inspection, that imperfect drainage, or the neglect of the simplest and most manifest of sanitary obligations, is the true cause of the terrible outbreak, that nature, in fact is taking revenge upon triflers with her obvious demands upon their prudence and common sense. The very simple subject of street sweeping and the removal of refuse from alleys and lanes is done in so imperfet and perfunctory a style, that the latent germs of disease instead of being carted aw By and destroyed are simply disseminated, and their evil effects extended over a wide range. This is apparent equally in a moist or dry state of the atmosphere ; in the latter condition, the dust, in the shape of impalpable powder, being disturbed in the most ferocious manner, often when the thoroughfares are the most thronged by pedestrians to their infinite annoyance and disgust. There is no doubt however, that there are some yery simple precautions, comparatively inexpensive but really effective, which if adopted, would go far to prevent infection, and even arrest its progress; among which the habitual and persistent use of disinfectants is the most prominent. Another most valuable agent is nothing more or less than Warner’s safe cure, which if taken as a preventive or as remedial, has times without number warded off or cut short attacks of fever, malaria, and, complaints possessing kindred symptoms. If derangements of the kidneys or liver are indicated, the same remedy is invaluable, and even when the fatal stage commonly known as Bright’s disease has supervened, and the shadow of death is hovering around, even then it has proved its health-restoring power and established its claim as being the only known specific for that dire scourge of humanity. But delay is dangerous and greatly to be deprecated.