Correspondence.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3456, 11 March 1890, Page 2

Correspondence.

Pollution ol the WaipouaTO THE EDITOR, Sir—ln a town situated as Master ton is, in a flat country, and with very httlo natural drainage, it is of the first importance to the bualth of the people to prevent all accumulu. tions of filth and rubbish, and above all to keep the water supply pure and clean, Health authorities tell us that from accumulation of vogetablo matter rotting in water proceed such diseases w diptheria, sore throats, typhoid, and other fevers, and when scientific men wish to procure those microscopic insects, which aro now known to be the exciting cause of the most doadly diseases, they steep vegetable matter in water, unci soon have their test tubes filled with bacteria and microbes, In Mftsterton we have had experience of the diseases named, measels, scarlot fovor, and oven typhoid have been in out midst, and who amongst, us can forget, some few years ago that visitation of diptheria which desolated so maby homes and left so many aching - hearts behind. Surely that man must he regarded as an cnomy who would do anything tending in the slightest dogree to bring again upon us such an awful scourge, A year ago the Wuipoua river was a bright rippling stream, a source of pleasure and comfort to the town, ''The samo stream now is in such a state of indescribable tilth that I scarcely hope to give your readers an idea of it, and I can only urge every one to go to the river at the railway bridge and see for themselves the danger that threatens the health of the town, It appears to me as though the llaxmillers have thrown into the river tiie whle of (heir refuse. The stream is filled with masses of fibro, cemented together with " strippings," while tho bottom is many, many inches deep with gum and green stuff, and of this rubbish thero must bo scores of tons, The water is the color of ink, and from the whole rotting and festering in the sun, emanates a stench that no one will remain in reach of for many minutes, and which cannot fail to bring sickness upon us, For drawing attention to this state of things I havo been accused of trying to stop theflaxworh, Tho absurdity of such a thing will be easily seen on a moments reflection. It is quite unnecessary for the flax refuse to bo thrown into the river; the flax ihdustry would go on just as well, nor would it cost any more for the refuse to bo piled up on the bank, and when dried destroyed by fire, Tho llaxmillers howover,ready 'enough to cry out for consideration for themselves, have, with total disregard for tho health and comfort of their noighbors, preferred to pollute tho river atjuiwt the law of the colony, But if against tho laws of the hnd, why is such a thing permitted to bel Why do those whose duty it is to enforce the laws allow it? 'l'do''not! know, I find by the Police Offences' Act, that the police aw bound under a penalty of £'s, to prosecute every ease |of river pollution brought to their notice, and, a penalty of £SO pro* |vided for those convicted of polluting a stream, and I find under the Public Health Act, the.Borough Connoii (the local Board of -HcaUb)j', armed with nmplo powers to protect the town from this danger, How is it then that these " powers that be" fail to do their duty? At the last Council meeting this matter was. brought under its notice, and a request made that tho river should be inspected, This request was 'received by-the Mayor and his councillors with laughter, jokes, and funny sayings, These men looked on it as comical, that they

should bo pay any regard to the health of the town, The Mayor asserted that there was no smell from tbo rivor, and no danger to health, while he admitted lie bad not seen the place, and, nfwtifi yq <ifld! sst U, That's the'sort of man we have got for Mayor I The residents, bowerer,

will not tbintc .their. hoaltk\a aubjfeot for joking, anil; to them lappCaWGo to; the, river '■ ahd Bee fdr|ypnrs6lves if there is no dangor to ; Health jfnd no stench arising from it ) go au.|fsoe for yourselves it suoh a stateVof.things oiighb to bo allowed by the men yon have power, or it there is room for laughter at such a hideous dangor. Many of you know well what sickness means. .If you.wwh toseej your, little ones again attacked, let the matter drop, but if you do not wish sickness and death from proventible causes to', again'invade your homes, then insist upon tho exorciao by the local Board of Health of the atuple'powers it possesses to protect you, for just' as surely as the sun will rise to-morrow morning, will sickness coma from tho accumulation of decaying vegetablo inattor in the Waipoua rivor, unless immodiato steps are takon to avert, it.—l am &c, ■■', Wit. M. Easihope.