MENACE TO HEALTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 14

MENACE TO HEALTH

FLOODS iATELLERSUE ■ MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT The effects of stormwater flooding in the Ellerslie district, which has caused concern to the Ellerslie Town Board for about two months, was further discussed by the board last night, when a letter was received from the medical officer of healtn, Dr. T. J. Hughes. Dr. Hughes' letter was in reply to the board's request for a report as to whether the flooding would create a menace to public health. Dr. Hughes referred the board to a letter that he sent to the board in August, 1931. The position was still the same, he said, not only while the area was flooded, but also whiie the flooded area was drying. "After the flood waters disappear possible infection may remain on the site of flood water contaminated with sewage," added the. letter. The clerk, Mr. J. W. Carr, said that the previous report advised -turning the storm water into caves before it reached the lower levels. Mr. J. J. Toy, said that a visit to the locality would impress anyone with the serious menace that would result from the flooding of the area for over six weeks. The greatest trouble would be after the water subsided. The chairman, Mr. H. J.. White, said the area had been treated with disinfectant by the board's staff. Mr. A. PI. Mclntyre suggested that the Government be requested to mako a grant to enable temporary relief measures to bo adopted. . . The chairman said the diversion of stormwater to prevent the flooding of the septic tank would abate the trouble. Mr. Carr said that' previous boards for many years had sought without success to be admitted to the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board and to obtain the co-operation of other local bodies. They had gone to the expense of having an outlet to the Manukau Harbour surveyed.

Mr. S. Pejnberton saiu a meetinit was being held by the Drainage Board this month to discuss the metropolitan scheme. . It was decided to await the result of the Drainage Board's meeting ana to consider any further action necessary at a later date.