FINE ARTS AND SANITATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9009, 23 March 1888, Page 3

FINE ARTS AND SANITATION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The mind of the intelligent public is just now in a state of reasonable unrest. In many households there is lamentation and mourning. The intangible medium of contagion is about, and ready to settle down and germinate in the first suitable human soil available. In this parish, I understand, there are a large number of cases of typhoid; and, in no alarmist mood, may I suggest that in the event of our model Council failing to comprehend the urgency of the case, and to take immediate steps to enquire into all possible channels of infection, and to thoroughly disinfect all sewers, etc., in a rational and decent manner, that a few of our medical experts form themselves into a committee to deal with this imminent danger—calling upon the public to aid them financially and otherwise. That the existing sanitary administration of this city is anything but a delusion and a snare no man who knows the subject will deny. Some time ago we saw it publicly stated that sacks saturated with carbolic acid had been used (as traps) to catch the wily germs of typhoid ! To Dr. Erson the Auckland public owes a debt of lasting gratitude. He has been the first to suggest a rational mode of dealing with the matter, and it is to be hoped that he will be supported by the requisite influence, &c., to deal effectually with the sanitary idiocy in our midst. It might be useful to find out whether there has been any case within a few months of typhoid in any country dairy near Auckland, or in any milk shop in the city, and, if so, whether the milk could be traced to the consumers. Then, as to dealing with the known centre of contagion: Can the compulsory use of, say, chlorinated solution of soda, not be secured, and the due application of the same ensured by inspection. By this very simple precaution all sham "disinfections " would be prevented. The carbolated sack incident already referred to claims tragic kinship with Nero and his fiddle. Possibly this heirloom of heathendom graces the walls of our Art Gallery, and so may account for the vagaries of the worshippers in that temple. The joke is grim, but it is pregnant in its surgestiveness. —I am, &c., D. R. Shirrf-ff Galbraith. Bell Road, Remuera.