FOR THE PUBLIC PROTECTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8874, 7 November 1907, Page 4

FOR THE PUBLIC PROTECTION.

We had occasion to comment, on Monday last, upon the fact that five scarlet fever patients were conveyed from Carterton to Masterton in a passenger brake without notification being given to the municipal authorities here or to the Sanitary Juspector who represents the Health Department. As it was not until after the vehicle which brought the patients to the local fever hospital had returned to Carterton that the Sanitary Inspector knew anything about the matter, we had good reason for assuming that the process of fumigation had not been undergone, and said as much. It is now stated by our Carterton contemporary that '"enquiries in Carter toil elicit the fact that Mr Miller, local inspector, who by the authority of Dr Frengley ordered the removal of the children to the Masterton hospital, telephoned definite instructions to Masterton regarding the fumigation of the coach before its return. These instructions were carried out to the letter. The driver states that after arrival at Masterton the whole equipage and its driver were subjected to a thorough disinfection, : and the return journey was commenced as soon as this process was over." To this we make reply that the local fever hospital authorities deny having received any .such instructions, and state that they are not aware if the vehicle was fumigated. The Sanitary Inspector makes a similar statement. It is apparent, therefore, that the j vehicle was either not fumigated, or was fumigated in the absence of competent supervision. In either case the position is unsatisfactory, and we again call the attention of the Health Department to the circumstance in the hope that such directions will be issued as will prevent future laxity in a matter so vitally affecting the health of the community.