BOARD OF HEALTH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5597, 1 February 1879, Page 6

BOARD OF HEALTH.

A meeting of the Local Board of Health was held at the close of the Drainage Board meeting. Present—Messrs E. J. S. Herman (in the chair), Duncan, Hobbs, Hall, Boss, and J. Evans Brown. The Chairman reported that all communications, respecting which instructions were given at the last meeting, had been attended to. xnspkctoe’s eepoet. The Inspector of Nuisances reported as follows “ My attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory condition as to drainage of sections 133 and 134, town reserves, Christchurch. I find there are three artesian wells there without taps, constantly flowing; thus causing the sections to be very much flooded, and as soon as the winter rains begin the locality will be reduced to a complete swamp. There are two private streets in the locality. Upon one of them there are fifteen houses. The drainage of the locality has been very defective since the closing of the natural water-course, which followed upon the occupation of these sections some years ago. The water-course I refer to is shown upon Mr Dartnell’s map of Christchurch, published in the year 1868. “ During my inspection from house to house in Paulson street, Sandridge, I discovered that one J. Illege was carrying on his business as a fellmonger in a private house. I informed him that he was breaking Clause 76 of the Public Health Act, and had subjected himself to penalties; he pleaded ignorance of the law, and stated that he had been only a short time in the Colony and was preparing to leave his present premises and establish himself at Eaiapoi. 1 desire instructions from the Board in this matter. “ I am inspecting from house to house in Sydenham. I find that all privies that have not closet pans are more or less offensive, and a nuisance; the bad odour arising from this cause can sometimes be detected in the streets. The Borough Council is taking active steps for abolishing common privies, and is now calling for tenders for scavenging within the Borough. . “ I have inspected several premises from which cases of typhoid fever have been reported, and have noted the result in my report-book. “Wm. Peaeoe, " Chief Inspector of Nuisances.” The Inspector said the property referred to fronted on the Belt at the back of the West Christchurch schools. Mr Duncan said this was another illustration of the necessity for legislative enactment for having taps upon all artesian wells. Mr-’ J. B. Brown felt certain that a Bill dealing, with.: that question would never be got through the House. It was resolved to send a copy of the resolution to the City Council. ’ It was resolved that the Inspector should give formal notice, to discontinue the fellmougery described in clause 2. Glauses 8 and 4 wore considered satisfactory, and the report as a whole was adopted. THB HYDASPES. Mr J. Berks wrote—“ln the interests of the public I beg to offer any information that an immigrant can give to Dr Powell in his investigation of the source of the sickness on board the Ship Hydaspes. The writer, a useful, handy man on board; kept a diary of all circumstances worthy of note, which I shall be glad to place at the doctor’s disposal, and give an hour 6r two at any time.” The Chairman stated that the letter had already been acknowledged j sowa BBW OHANUBM.' Mr John Hi Fox called attention to a nuisance opposite his house, ou the South Belt, the nae Channel being more foul than ever. The writer feared that there would he an outbreak df typhoid foyer'unless something were done atonce; ! • The Ohairmah said the channelling was in

irregular hole*, a?d consequently could not he,efficient, I - '.*J * 4 Mr Duncan mentioned the fact, for the purpose of strengthening the hands of the Chairman, that the Heathcote Eoad Board had put concrete channelling down on tne East Belt. , , , , - It was arranged that the Inspector should go at once to the locality indicated, and see what remedy could be devised. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Tho following cases of infectious _ diseases were reported as having occurred since Jan. 17: —Typhoid fever, 16; scarlet fever, 8; diphtheria, 8; total, 22. In reply to a question, the Inspector said nine of the oases of typhoid fever were m the city, and the remainder in the outlying districts. ACCOUNTS. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Board then adjourned.