The Water Supply

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20164, 6 February 1940, Page 4

The Water Supply

Sir, —Since ’’Taumata Questions the accuracy of my statement that sickness is caused through drinking the town’s water supply, I can only conclude that he is a newcomer to Gisborne, since it is very generally known that almost invariably when there is a shortage of water at this time of year an epidemic, more or less severe, of so-called summer sickness _ breaks out. If the supply is not impure, wherefore is it necessary to chlorinate the water? I remember some years ago the medical officer stating that if the water was not chlorinated he would take no responsibility for the health of the town. Personally, lam very sensitive to any food impurities, and when I came to Gisborne at the end of a very hot summer I drank freely of the water and for weeks was unwell. I happened to mention this to a friend, who told me that she had been similarly affected and on consulting a doctor had been advised not to drink the water unboiled. On learning this I discontinued drinking unboiled water and the sickness left me. If “Taumata” cares to consult any doctor in town, I am sure that he will be advised to the same effect. JOHN FRASER.