WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 213, 23 November 1897, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

Fyphoiu.—Tlio Newcastle Rind Board having been notified (as the local Board of Health) of the existence of an infectious disease among some members of Mr Ferguson's family, Mr V. (..'orb ay ((.•hairmat:) and Mr E. C. Shepherd, one of the members, paid a visit of inspection to Mr Ferguson's farm on Saturday, when they were met by .Mr Ferguson, who gave every information and assistance. In answer to Mr (Jorboy's enquiries, it transpired that at the time the fever first appeared in the children they were attending the Whatawhala School, and at the same time some Maori children were also attending, among whom there was some kind of illness, but of its exact nature no information can be obtained, as they were not seen by a medical man. However, Mr Ferguson's children were at once prohibited from attending school, four of them suffering from the ferer, two others who were at home not having been attacked at all. Messrs Corboy and Shepherd made a thorough inspection of the homestead, including the drainage from the YVhatawhata township flat, which has been suggested as a possible cause of the trouble. This drainage passes from the main road down a gully near the creamery, and disclosed no unpleasant feature or odour, every rainfall sending down a heavy flow of water which effectually cleans it out. On reaching the lower terrace tin's drainage widens out over an extensive area, and here the mud deposited by the late river Hood is drying up. This is not the sweetest spot just now, as all who reside ntar the YVaipa river flats :vfter a Hood can quite understand, but though unpleasant it may not be unhealthy, and at the time the lever broke out in Mr Ferguson's family this flat had several feet of water over it. A careful investigation of the house, yards, etc., failed to reveal anything that was either unhealthy looking or likely to cause an outbreak of fever. The house, which has been well fumigated of late, is situated upon a pinnacle, the ground falling from it. on all side*. The water supply is apparently one of the best in the district, being from a clear spring which comes from the bank-; of the terrace, and is boarded in for some ten feet deep, and from which about SOO gallons are drawn daily by pipes to the creamery twenty chains distant. The stockyard is sonic three chains from the dwelling, and drains in the direction of the Waipa river, and is also well ventilated, being open on all sides, while neither about the yards nor enclosures near tlu homestead cou'd any traces be found of dead animals or decaying matter. All the buildings were examined with the same results. The conclusion come to by the two members of the Board was ''That there was nothing to show how the lever originated, and that they were prepared to recommend that the milk from Mr Ferguson's dairy, which amounts to upwards of 10 gallon.-, duly, should be again received at the creamery." A report to this effect will be laid before tin: Hoard at their next meeting.- (Own Correspondent).