AUCKLAND ATHENÆUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9111, 20 July 1888, Page 6

AUCKLAND ATHENÆUM.

The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Athenaeum was hold yesterday evening, the Rev. C. M. Nelson presiding.

New Members.—Madame Tutschka and Mr. Galbraith were elected members of the Athenaeum.

" Home Sanitation."—Mr. E. Bell read a paper on " Home Sanitation." He pointed out that a perfect system of sanitation had never been devised, but he wished to point oat the most favourable conditions for an effective scheme. He urged that in selecting a building the character of the soil should be taken into consideration, and if possible a cheerful aspect and beautiful scenery should be obtained. If a building was constructed with hollow walls it would be thoroughly dry, and an equable temperature would be secured. The necessity for ample ventilation in the dwelling house was spoken of at great length, ana Mr. Bell dwelt upon the question of the disposal of sewage. The precipitation system seemed to be most suitable for this city. He contended that it was necessary that housewives should have a practical knowledge of the question of sanitation, and should understand the use of sanitary appliances. Mr. Bell exhibited specimens of ventilators, etc., and resumed his seat amidst applause. Dr. Girdler thought the question of sanitation was one of the utmost importance, especially in this age. He did not think that one house in fifty in Auckland was properly ventilated. Dr. Murray Moore pointed out that even only seven or eighttenths of carbonic acid gas in 1000 gallons of air made that air injurious, and he mentioned thesuperiorityof volcanic today soils. Mesars.Cranwell, Bloomfield,and Newcombe also spoke. Mr. Airston urged the necessity for ventilation in the rooms of hotels in Auckland. He considered that a health society should be established in this city on the plan which obtained in many cities at home. Dr. Lawry thought that architects, plumbers, and builders should be registered. Mr. Graham and the chairman having also spoken, Mr. Bell replied, and said that, in many a case, the proprietor was to blame for defective sanitary arrangements, as he was not willing to expend a sufficient sum of money in the building of the house. °