Summer Fly-Breeding Problem Again

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30933, 14 December 1965, Page 22

Summer Fly-Breeding Problem Again

The need for precautions against fly breeding and the elimination of flies was drawn to the City Council's attention last evening by the Chief City Health Inspector (Mr A. P. Millthorpe). During the anti-fly campaign last summer, of the 2150 properties inspected 1050 were found to have infestation or suspected conditions giving rise to infestation, he said.

An analysis of the causes of the conditions showed that decomposing lawn clippings and organic matter were responsible for 963 cases. This represented 87 per cent. Some time had been spent in checking bowling, croquet and tennis clubs which were found to have poor arrangements for disposal of lawn clippings, Mr Millthorpe continued. Recent inspections had shown that most of the clubs had instituted some better disposal methods However it would be necessary to make periodic inspections to ensure regular removal of dippings and infestation control.

Mr Millthorpe said it was proposed to give further publicity during the summer to the public health need for every precaution to be taken against flies. “This is especially necessary in view of the current sonne-type dysentery cases which have been occurring in the district over recent weeks,” he said. Cr. R. H. Stillwell proposed that the weekly rubbish collection should take in grass clippings. Cr. H. P. Smith: Do you want to double the rates? Cr. Stillwell: I only want to help.

There was no seconder for Cr. Stillwell's motion.

Cr. Smith then said he hoped that Mr Millthorpe, "without advertising,’' would be able to suggest a way of dealing with grass dippings so they were not a breeding ground for flies.