HEALTH OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13286, 19 September 1906, Page 7

HEALTH OF AUCKLAND.

WHAT DR. FRENGLEY HAS TO SAY.

"PEACE MUST GIVE WAY TO WAR.''

[by telegraph.— CORRESPONDENT..!

Wellington, Tuesday. " The character of the work in the district last year might well be summarised in the words of the old adage, 'In time of peace prepare for war.'" It is with these words that Dr. Frengley, district health officer at Auckland, prefaces his annual report for the year ended March last.

"Once again, Auckland city, amongst the four centres," says Dr. Frengley, " possesses the unenviable distinction of displaying the highest percentages in those two great factors which test the sanitary condition of a. town, infantile mortality and enteric fever rate. It would seem that in the succeeding year peace must give way to war." The number of enteric fever cases in the Auckland district for the year ended March last, was 172, against 180 for the previous year. Auckland city was responsible for 34, Wellington city, 33, Christchurch 4, and Dunedin 11. Dr. Frengley points out that Auckland's proportion is far in excess of its proportion of population, and says: "These figures emphatically show how much yet remains to be done to make Auckland city more sanitarily safe and healthy." The report proceeds: "What might be hoped for if Auckland city will only satisfy herself that her drainage system possesses hidden secrets of defectiveness may be anticipated from the example of Devonport. As a sequel to the drainage installation there, we have" these figures: 1902-3, 10 enteric cases; 1903-4, nil; 1904-5, two cases; 1905-6, nil. Parnell last year had no case, and now escapes with one case only. This, however, upon investigation by Inspector Grieve, was shown to have its source elsewhere than in Parnell. The two references are important, as showing the fallacy of a statement frequently made that most -of-the Auckland city cases are importations. Onehunga had 10 cases. This is deploiable though not out of keeping with the unenviable reputation already established. Unfortunately Onehunga, like Auckland, possesses a population who will not wake up and endeavour to remove this badge of sanitary unprogressiveness. A drainage scheme has, two years ago, been approved by the Department." The report also refers to the inaction of Waihi in respect to drainage, and also to the "helpless apathy" of Hamilton, in respect to enteric cases. The report shows reduction in the number of cases of scarlet fover and diphtheria in the district last year, and also of cases of tuberculosis in Auckland city.