Flies

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 7

Flies

Sir, —The two-winger carrier of disease, unfortunately, enjoys the freedom’ of the air and enters the homes, not only from our own backyard but from neighbouring properties. It seems to me that one of the most effective methods of preventing these pests from flying into houses would be the safeguard of wire gauze screens to cover open windows and especially the back door, so frequently used. Much good has been accomplished by the anti-fly newspaper ventilation, and as “The Press” advisedly comments: “The Health Department should mount annual campaigns—and open them earlier in the summer.”— Yours, etc., REG. H. STILLWELL. February 17, 1964.

Sir, —Judging by the spate of nonsense in your correspondence column, flies seem to have flown away with our common gumption. People leave dishes of food about for their pets; then ’“Doggone” wants to blame dogs for the flies. Then there are greengrocers and fruiterers continually at war with flies and hornets. As for “■Why Lag,” I was solemnly assured by a young woman that Auckland now had no ants. Three or four days later I was told by someone just down that the ants were if anything even worse. Well, after 20 years in Auckland, I should say ditto flies. In the meantime, with my fly papers, I have completely mastered my problem.— Yours, etc., R. M. THOMSON. February 17, 1964. ,

Sir, —I was most pleased to see the news item stating that the Department of Health in Christchurch is launching an anti-fly campaign. Dr. Jepson has said that the success of the campaign rests with the individual householder. In the event that some do not bother to clean up their “fly breeding grounds.” is there any law to compel them to do so? And if so, would action be taken by the department if people who have dirty animals, etc., are reported and still refuse to clean up?—Yours, etc., CO-OPERATION. February 12, 1964, [The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. L. F. Jepson) said: “The prevention of nuisances and the over-all sanitary standard is the responsibility of the local authorities and inspectors of health carry out regular house-to-house and complaint inspections throughout the district. When complaints are received these are followed up by inspectors and remedial action is taken.”]