THE TYPHOID OUTBREAK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9057, 18 May 1888, Page 6

THE TYPHOID OUTBREAK.

REPORT OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. Thb following is the report of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Medical Association, to whom was referred the question of the late outbreak of typhoid fever in the city and suburbs. The report will come before the Council at the next meeting :— To lUs Worship the Mayor op Auckland, and the City Council. Your Worship and Gentlemen,— Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Medical Association havLog carefully considered the letter from the Town Clerk, and the accompanying iocuments relating to the recent outbreak of typhoid fever in Ponsonby, beg leave to state as follows :— Immediate Cause of the Outbreak.—We are of opinion that it was due to the insanitary condition of the premises at the tramway stables generally and of the closets, manure heap, and sleeping accommodation for the men in particular, Other causes existing in the neighBOURHOOD WHICH ASSISTED TO SPREAD THE DISBASE—I. Defective removal of mghteoil. 2. The , spreading of nightsoil over the surface of the ground in zardena, thereby probably polluting adjacent wells and the atmosphere. 3. Want of proper water supply in some of the houses. 4. Deficient drainage; especially in open earthen channels. 5. Wantof proper periodical inspection of dwellinghouses ans trade premises, particularly dairies. We would suggest the following means of, In wine measure, improving the general sanitary condition of the city and suburbs :— ■ ■~ Closets.-I. An increased quantity of ary pulver-. Ssed earth should be regularly supplied, and its use Insisted on. 2. The use of metal, instead of wooden, boxes is recommended. To carry tips out efficiently/ a duplicate box, with a closely fitting lid, would be required. 3'. As at present the contents are frequently spilled over the premises more care should. he exercised in the emptying of the boxes. 4. In no instance should permission lie given .to. any person, to use nlghtsoil for gardening purposes. 6. The jiightsoil should be removed in proper Iron tanks, instead of the present description of carte, which sire unsuitable. 6. In cases of typhoid the excreta of patients should be removed nightly by a special service 7. The site for the deposition of nightsoil should be fixed by the Health Officer. We are of epiiiion that the work of removing nlghtsoil and. other refuse should be undertaken under the direct control of the City Council, not by a contractor. Watkr Channels.—All water channels should be properly formed of hewn stone or concrete, andshould b« flushed daily during the summer season. f! SKWAGK.—The present sewage system is very defective, and requires constant supervision. The etreet gratings should be more efficiently trapped : the pits kept in repair, and a greater depth of water maintained. The sewers should be more efficiently renUUWd. : '' Scavenging.—More attention should be paid to ■the cleansing of the streets, and the removal of all rtjf use. '•. ,i ■•• ■<■ ;■•■■■_, ■ . ■ ; Water Supply of Cur.— The city water supply should be carefully guarded from all contamination. Sanitary Inspection.—Arrangements should be made for a more efficient and systematic inspection of dwelling-houses and trade premises, particularly dairies.- , • ■' ■■.-■■.-.■'- .<;; i>. .'■.■; ?.-■ <- , • .«,.__ .v IV. W. E. Dawson, President, . • (Signed) ip.A.jiUiiJSAMioa.fiM,