DRAINAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 166, 25 July 1901, Page 2

DRAINAGE.

When Mr Mestayor’s report on the drainage scheme was published, tlio Times drew attention to what soemod to us the extraordinary fact that the Chief Health Officer (Dr Mason) had apparently endorsed the recommendation of Mr Mostayer that untreated sewage (such as slop water) should bo drained into tho Wnikanao crook and Tarulioru river. The only explanation to our mind was that Dr Mason thought tho rivers to have swift-running, fresh - ■water outflows. All the Couneillars took the commonsense view of tho question, and doubted the advisability of such a system. Their view has now boon confirmed by tho following letter from Dr Mason:

“ Dear Sir, —I am very glad to have an opportunity of answering your questions. 1. It would bo very detrimental indeed to tho health of your people to allow untreated sewage to enter the creek and tidal river passing through tho borough. Tho Department is doing all it can to prevent tho pollution of streams and rivers. This matter is receiving considerable attention in my general report. 2. Tho treatment by means of a septic tank would go far indeed to alleviate matters, and that or an irrigation farm arc tlio methods I would respectfully suggest should be carefully considered by your Council. 3. Slop waters are not always the simple innocent waters that they seem. Urine, bath waters, etc., would form part ot them, and when you bear in mind that there are far more enteric bacilli in tho urine than in the faecal matter, you can easily soo how this preventiblc disease might readily be spread through the apparently innocent slop water. I shall deem it a pleasure to assist you in any way or on any matters pertaining to tho public health.”

The septic tank suggested by Dr Mason seems rather tho larger affair on tho Waikanae as recommended by Mr Mestayer than tho several smaller ones at each outlet suggested by Mr Lysnar. Questions as to the latter suggestion have already gone forward to Mr Mestayer, and a reply should be received at an early date. Ponding that reply, patience must be exercised before any definite opinion can be formed, but tho people will have the satisfaction of knowing that DrMason’s letter will be a deathblow to any idea of running untreated sewage into the rivers.