A WHOLESOME CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18223, 17 October 1922, Page 8

A WHOLESOME CITY.

AIDS TO PUBLIC HEALTH. J

CONDITIONS IN AUCKLAND.

HIGH STANDARD MAINTAINED.

It is stated officially that conditions in respect to civic hygiene were never better in Auckland City than they are at present. Tho campaign for wholesomeness has been very thorough for the past year or eo, and the results should prove to be groat aids to the promotion of public health. Reports from inspectors to the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, show that in every branch of municipal aotivity for safeguarding the health of tho community the standards pi hygiene are exceptionally high. The old city area has 'be<Hi the centre of hygienic operations during the past month, and inspection, which ia almost completed, lias covered a fairly wide range of premises and places wherei " tho pestilence that walketh in darkness " might gather Strength if cleansing processes were not employed with regularity and efficiency. The instructions from the council wore to leave nothing undone, and tha inspection has been carried out with systematic energy to secure tho maintenance of adequate sanitary conditions in shops, restaurants, obscure factories, whore odd trades are followed, and all plaoee demanding cleanlinosß in the handling and storage of perishable foodstuff®. The inspectors report that conditions generally were never better. Destruction of Rodents. Tho campaign against the rat as a host for plague carriers has been waged mercilessly during; the past 18 months. Sine© April, 192.1, nearly 12,000 rodents havo been slaughtered. The record number destroyed m one month was exaotly a year ago, the total being 1099. The ratcatchers ore not to bu thrown out of employment. Their work, ia satisfactory, and its results not only help to promote the health of the community and the safety from plague,but contribute materially to economy. One rat can do a lot of economic damage in a luxurious store for rodents. As regards restaurants, food and fruit shops, and boarding-houses the conditions of premises and backyards are reported to be exceptionally satisfactory. There is a great deal more co-operation than formerly with the authorities on tho part of owners and householders. The pnblio realises more seriously than before tho 1918 scourge, and its havoc, that cleanliness is an aid to public health and resistance to intangible disease. , There is also less dust now than in past years. The council's progressive polity in constructing hard-surface roads has made conditions more agreeable and much more hygienic for roadside shops nnd stores. And there is now an ample water supply without restrictions as to use. There is no excuse for dirty conditions if crater can remove them.

) The standard of hotels, restaurants, and food shops is reported to bo very good. So with regard to produce stores, nnolnding the City Markets. All the requirements of the municipal. Inspectors have been reasonably met, and improvements promptly effected in all cases where improvement was essential.

Co-opera,tion Between Authorities. There is effective co-operation between the city's inspectors- and the officers of "the Department of Public Health. It is sometimes difficult to define the boundary of separate control es between the two authorities, but there is no conflict over interpretation of jurisdiction. Co-opera-tion is complete. The responsibility for the hygienio condition of all food mid fruit shops, stores, and the like, rests with the municipal department, but matters that come within the provisions of the Food and Drags Act are dealt with by the State department. In reviewing conditions generally, the Mayor emphasises the intention of the council to> pursuo its policy of keeping Auckland wholesome as a matter of precaution, and as an exercise of good local government. The chief sanitary inspector, Mr. C. T. Haynes. is at present absent on leave, his duties being taken over temporarily' by Mr. H. Paiill. A tribute is paid by Mr. Gunson to the acting-chief inspector and his staff for tho very satisfactory manner in which the council's instructions have been carried out.