HEALTH OF HUNTLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16909, 23 July 1918, Page 6

HEALTH OF HUNTLY.

\ MMICAU OFFICER'S REPORT. WATER SUPPLY DEFECTIVE. A HEPOitT regarding the prevalence of diphtheria in Huntly has been obtained by the Huntly Collieries' Medical and Accident Relief Association from its medical officer, Dr. R. C. McDiarmid. " Diphtheria has been prevalent all over the Dominion for the last few months," he writes, "but I have no reliable data to indicate that Huntly has suffered more than other places in ratio to its population." Dr. McDiarmid mentions that four cases occurred in one family and three in another. Discussing the sanitation of tho town generally, he states : —" We all know that the present water supply of lluntly is defective and unsatisfactory. To it is mainly attributable the widespread and general infection of our children with intestinal worms. After ■ a spell of dry weather, the roofs of the houses become covered with dust containing myriads of disease germs and the minute eggs of worms. This dirt is washed off the roof and collected in the water tanks, which, in many cases, are not cleaned often enough. Tho grosser dirt sinks to the bottom, but tho microscopically small germs remain suspended in the water. Most of us escape infection by these, because all the water we require is boiled with our dood, or separately, before it enters into our bodies. Rain water is never absolutely pure. It is too soft and lacks essential ingredients, like a small . proportion of lime salts. A proper, plentiful and pure' water supply would solve the problem of efficient sewage disposal '• "As your medical officer, I strongly advise your association to regard our present inadequate system of water supply as a grava menace to the health of your members and their families, which constitute 80 per cent, of the Huntly population, and to talk energetic and prompt steps to have the town supplied with a pure and plentiful water supply. You are well organised. Let tho machinery of your organisation bo legitimately employed to attain this object. "In winter especially, a considerable number of children arrive at school with damp or wet feet. This condition, as you know, is not at all good for them; it makes them not only uncomfortable, but undermines their health and vitality and promotes attacks of illness, including diphtheria and other contagious diseases. To obviate this condition, the roads, especially from Kimihia and Starrtown, should he improved. They are now in a deplorable and disgraceful condition."