PUBLIC HEALTH

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 140, 10 December 1918, Page 8

PUBLIC HEALTH

"PANIC LEGISLATION."

The Public Health Bill 'reached the ■Legislative Council this morning. Sir Francis Bell, after explaining its provisions, said that he, had been told, and; he accepted it, that this legislation was very necessary. The Honi G. M. Thomson said he would move that this Bill be read this day six months. He had had no time to look thoroughly into the measure, but from what he had seen there were clauses which they should not be passing. Clauses in regard to housing were town-planning, and it was town-planning that they required.. "This is panic legislation, brought' down hurriedly on account of the recent epidemic. We have not had time to learn the lessons, and we are not going to solve the problem by legislation of this character." Mr. Thomson cited certain provisions of the housing clause. "The thing seems to me to be absurd. We have not had time to consider it." Sir William Hall-Jones reminded,members of the [ recent' experiences in Wellington. When the Government brought down recommendations they should consider them. If there were.parts of the Bill which they objected to they should not reject very necessary prpjdsions on that aco'onnt'. > The Hon. Te Heubeti Tulrino quite approved! of the Bill, and \ hoped jihe Maori Councils would have an opportunity of taking part in! the work. The councils should have their power restored and be helped! by public funds in bringing about healthy conditions in Maori villages. After the luncheon adjournment the Hon. G. M. Thomson withdrew his amendment. „ The Council proceeded' with its (discussion.i criticising the Bill in several particulars. ' (Left sitting.) 1 ■ .