SANITARY COMMISSIONERS TO BE APPOINTED IN EACH CENTRE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10638, 24 April 1900, Page 5

SANITARY COMMISSIONERS TO BE APPOINTED IN EACH CENTRE.

(PSESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, April 23. As Dr. 'Mason and Mr Gilruth must necessarily remain in Auckland for some time, the Colonial Secretary intends to immediately appoint similar Cbnimissioners in the other centres of the colony to make an inspection of the towns, and also to instruct the police to assist the civic authorities in carrying out sanitary measures. The information telegraphed from. Auckland that certain rats there" 'suffered from bubonic plague caused a mild sensation in tlie city to-day, and the sanitary measures adopted by the Government wereapplauded. Stupid rumours were afloat in Wellington this afternoon that suspicious cases had been reported in various parts of the town, but vrert: proved to be without the slightest foundation. » The sanitary inspectors appointed by the City_ Council began their duties to-day, and each" is allotted a portion of the city to which he has to confine his attention. A house-to-house inspection is to be made, and daily reports are to be lodged. Special attention is to be given to premises wherein.

the sale of meat, fish, poultry, fruit and vegetables is camea on. The Colonial Secretary has decided on royal sanitary commissions for each centre of the colony, Mr GihutU and Dr. Mason being tx>mmiss;oners for Auckland, while other commissioners are to be appointed immediately.

The new Commission directs Dr. Mason and Sir β-ilrufh to enquires into—(l) The sanitary condition of the various ports and places in. the colony, , including marine' quarantine statwos; (2) the measures to be adopted for the improvement of the sanitary condition of any port or place; (5) the measures to he adopted to prevent the introduction or spread of the bubonic plague or other dangerous infectious "or contagious diseases; and (4) the hospital accommodation and means of isolation available for cases of feubonic plaguej. They are empowered to call for all persons or papers they may require in regard to premises, and to examine witnesses on oath. The Commissioners addition to sending a report and "recommendations to the Colonial Secretary, to send a copy to the local board of health or the harbour boards affected, and the boards are empowered forthwith to employ all means exercisable by them under the' Public Health Act 1876, and the Governing Act, or otherwise -howsoever, in order to (rive full and proper effect- to the Commissioners" report and recommendation?. If any board fails to take prompt measures to give such effect, the Colonial Secretary is to be notified by telegraph, and rhnll take such action as in the interest of the public health he deems expedient. The police are empowered to assist the boards in giving effect, to the Commissioners' report and recommendations.

A similar proclamation denline with Wellington. Christchurcb, and Punedin is to be issued to-morrow.