MEASLES, TYPHOID EPIDEMIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 25 October 1928, Page 5

MEASLES, TYPHOID EPIDEMIC

"DISEASES INCREASE WHEN WATER-CARTS STOP"

Measles, typhoid, and dysentery are rife in New South Wales. In the metropolis alone 100 applications a week for admission to city institutions are being made (reports the Sydney ""Daily Telcpragh" of recent date). Though the administrative responsibilities are heavy, it is pointed out by the authorities 'that these epidemics come in cycles—generally every four or five years.

The, suggestion has been advanced that the withdrawal of the water-carts from the streets is tending to increase the risks of contracting such diseases as tuberculosis and typhoid fever. Comments' on this aspect by experts were:—

Dr. Morris (Health Department): _ I ngree with the suggestion that cleansing the streets bv water carts is an effective weapon tending to minimise certain >.isks. The tubercular germ undoubtedv breeds in dust.

' Mr Laylon (Town Clerk) stated that he was not in a position to question Ins council's ban on street watering He stated, however, that certain, restrictions bad been placed on tin's pra; tice. thought it had not altogether been abolished.

SUN KILLS GERMS One medical authority said: "I do not altogether hold with the opinion that si root watering; can prevent epidemics n\ typhoid. The greatest killer of germs rue the solar rays, and such a small quantity of water as that placed on the streets by carts is ineffective. Nature's greatest' natural germicide is a heavy downpour of rain—which cleans nutters and roofs rind drain pipes—followed by the sunlight." UPKEEP PROBLEMS The cost of upkeep seems to be the primary motive behind the abolition of watering carts from our citv thorough-

fares The idea has been condemned as waste of money and a useless practice