DR. CHESSON'S ACTIVITIES

Northern Advocate, 28 September 1920, Page 3

DR. CHESSON'S ACTIVITIES

BOROUGH COUNCIL LIVENED DRASTIC REMEDIES DEMANDED Quite an interesting situation presented itself to the Whangarei Borough Council last evening, when Dr. Chesson, the newly-appointed official responsible for the maintenance of public health as far as possible, thrust a few powerful demands forward for consideration and action by th e civic fathers. In the first place Dr. Chesson reported in detail upon the stables at ih e rear of James' Temperance Hotel. From the point of view of attainment of idealism in matters of sanitation the report was distinctly adverse and the Health Office found much to complain about and did so unhesitatingly. Inter alia he reported that he "was surprised to find that such a condition of filth and neglect existed in th e heart of the business part of the .borough," and he urged upon the authorities that a "cleanup" should b e enforced within 24 hours, and that not more than 28 days b e allowed the owners in which to carry out extensive alterations to make the area reasonably sanitary. Those alterations included provision of concrete walls and floors, connection with the drainage system, and installation of a water supply and hoses. A properly constructed manure, receptacle, fly-proof, was also insisted upon; and in no uncertain terms. The demands sounded perhaps a litl e drastic, said Cr. Pickmere, but it was of the utmost importance that the stables within th e borough should be kept in apple-pie order, and he moved, seconded by Cr. Cutforth, that the District Health officer's recommendation be given effect to by the council's authority. The motion was carried. SANITARY PLUMBING Dr. Chesson also wanted to know who was the Inspector of sanitary plumbing in the Borough, and what qualifications he held. Also whether in every case a registered plumber only was doing sanitary plumbing work. The engineer said that all the employees of plumbers were not registered, but that the master-man was responsible for the work of his employees. He agreed to undertake the responsibility of answering the questions submitted by Dr. Chesson, and the Council delegated him to do so. Incidentally the borough engineer! was the individual who filled the bill in answer to the doctor's first query I as to who was inspector of sanitary j plumbing, and no steps were taken consequently, to comply with the health officer's query concerning qualifications. OPEN SEWERS Th e third complaint by Dr. Ohesson 'concerned, the leaving open to the air of sewer connections where buildings had been removed or destroyed by fire. He cited the old Masonic Hall in John Street and McGregor's Corner, at the intersection of Bank and Water Streets. On iboth those properties open vents through which sewer gas could escape had 'been found. Notice to seal them should b e given immediately, and the inspector should be instructed to go round all vacant sections in the borough and to take legal action against owners if any similar cases were found. Notices to abate the danger to .public health had already been served by th c town clerk upon the Masonic Lodge trustees and Mr J. W. McGregor, and the former had immediately effected remedial measures. No report was submitted in connection with the latter case.

A FILTHY STATE

; Alhough h e was himself the owner of the property, Cr. Jackson declared that certain stables were in a -filthy state and- his resolution that ■he tenant be ordered to clean them up was carried. Cr. Jackson also cited other livery and bait stables in th e town as requiring attention in that direction,