CITY’S HEALTH

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11693, 4 December 1923, Page 3

CITY’S HEALTH

COMMITTEE’S OPINIONS RECOMMENDATION § FOLLOWING ‘ HEALTH WEEK. GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. Recommendations made by various subcommittees set up during Health Week, as stated) in the report presented to the City Council yesterday, are as follow: Municipal Milk Supply.—’The committee strongly supports the system of municipal milk supply in operation in < Wellington, and un?es that it be continued, but trusts that every effort -will be made to improve ttie system. Ventilation. —It is suggested that increased attention should be paid to the more efficient ventilation of theatres, halls, buildings, and shops. Destruction of Rats. —The committee recommends that continuous and effective measures should be introduced for the destruction of rate, and in this respect considers that the rat-proofing of buildings shouhf receive due attention. Rubbish Tins.—lt is considered that steps dhould be taken to ensure the covering of all receptacles used for the keeping of rubbish, thereby preventing the harbourage of rate, flies and the introduction and f preadi of disease. Open Elay Spaces. The committee strongly recommends the further provision of open play spaces for children. Public Baths. —The committee is glad to note that the recommendation arising from last year’s "Health Week" campaign in regard to provision of swimming bathe is being given effect to and supports the City Council in this action, but considers that much remains to be done to.encourage personal hygiene by the provision of municipal hot baths to meet the needs, specially of those residing In apartments and boarding-houses, where suclr necessary facilities are often quite inadequate. Basements.—lt is considered that the use of basements of buildings for occupation as workrooms or living rooms should be discouraged. CLEAN UP NEEDED. Stables.—lt is considered undesirable that stables should be located in the city area. While recognising that it may be impracticable as yet for such to be removed, it is recommended that wherever possible this should be done. Clean-up Week. —The committee congratulates the City Council on the splendid results of the clean-up campaign, but considers that it would be more beneficial from a health and sanitary standpoint if such clean-ups could be done more frequently, or even if tins, etc., could he removed weekly. Medical Examination. —The committee supports the proposal to inaugurate on behalf of ordinary * insurance policy holders of at least j£soo assurance, free quinquennial medical examination in hope of prevention of disease and subsequent reauction of mortality rates. Accident Prevention.—The committee draws attention to the increased loss of life, the disablement and human suffering arising from accidents occurring in the city and suburban streets, and wishes to stress the necessity for more effective steps being taken to prevent excessive speed at least within the city limits. This committee would welcome a safety-first campaign to impress upon the public generally their share of responsibility in this matter. Vacint Land for Vegetable Gardening It is recommended, in the interests of the general health of the citizens of Wellington, there should be considered by the Wellington City Council a scheme similar to that adopted by many municipal councils in Great Britain, whereby vacant land in and about the city is allotted temporarily in small sections at a nominal rental to oitizens for the purpose of vegetable gardening. SANITATION AND SUBURBS. The sanitation committee reported having removed 3308 cubic yards of general retuse during the period allotted for this campaign, against 2085 for the previous year. Its report continues“A notable feature about the class of material handled this year is the quantity of plumbers’ material (old sheet iron, downpiping, eto.), which seems to have been stacked underneath houses in anticipation of this annual clean-up. While it may be advisable to have this stuff removed during the campaign it would appear necessary that during the house-to-house inspection by the council's inspectors more of this material should be removed at the cost of the owner or the plumbing contractor." Posters. —It is considered that the suggestion "that posters of a permanent nature be placed in conspicuous places, thus providing a constant reminder to citizens of their responsibilities regarding health matters" is one worthy of support. These posters could supplement such as have already been displayed by the Department of Health, and might be drawn up in consultation with medical officers of that department. DRAINAGE AND INCINERATORS. Water and Drainage.—This remit aa to tho "absolute necessity for pushing ahead with all drainage and water supply facilities" no doubt is already receiving the earnest attention of your council, and) resonable time is required to extend system to suburbs. However, it is a vital question in relation to sanitation in our suburbs and the desirability. of expediting the work cannot be too much stressed. Expectoration.—The menace to public health of this habit, and the necessity for rigid enforcement of the law. We oertainly think that tho powers under the by-laws should be more stringently enforced in ."egard to this objectionable practice, especially in regard to such plaoee as waiting-rooms, tram shelters, etc. Rest Rooms and) Conveniences.—This is a necessity long l overdue to women and children, both m oity and suburbs. This is heartily supported. Incinerators. —"My committee strongly recommends that the city engineer should investigate the question of providing and erecting at; reasonable cost, where application Is made, incinerators for the burning of all household refuse My committee points out that with the popular usJTbf gas and on account of the impossibility of disposing of refuse except per medium of the rubbish carts, such a proposal as the above, when carried into effect, would result in a great saving of cartage costs." The executive agrees that this matter should be investigated FOOD AND VENTILATION. Exposure of Goods, etc., for Sale.—"My committee recommends tiheut the Health Department’s attention be directed to the fact that still further improvements can be effected as regards the exposure of foods, especially vegetables and meat." Wifh reference to this vexed* question, we oertainly think that better protection should be insisted on in regard to such foodstuffs consumed in state in which is sold as ice creams, etc. With regard to vegetables, as these are usually boiled before consumption, not much danger to public health appears to arise in this direction The covering of meat was tried in Sydney and we understand was not found satisfactory for various reasons. Wellington Main Library Ventilation.— “This is very bad, and it is recommended that an attempt be mode to rectify the defect." This is a matter for the expert officers of your council. We feel, however, that such conditions are not confinod only to the library. Refuse Objection.—The executive suggests that the council should institute a vigorous inspection after clean-up week and prosecute in all cases persons who hav© not availed themselves of the opportunity to dispose of their rubbish, BARBERS' SALOONS. Hairdressers. —"It is suggested that they should consult the Department of Health as to the most suitable and efficient antiseptics for use in their saloons as a safeguard against baiNtar's rash and other disgusting skin and scalp troubles."

We strongly t»rge that regulations should be gazetted in regard to such matter by the Department of Health, and, that your council lake tho matter up with that department. Fruit-eellers in streets:—“lt is suggested that every 6Uch seller should be compelled to bring evidence periodically that no does not suffer from any contagious disease." The executive, however, hesitates to urge this remit. Inspection of food.—“lt is recommended that frequent inspection be made (if not already done so) of storage accommodation for perishable eatables, e.g., fruit and vegetables. This might be remitted to the Department of Health, who have full powers under the Food and Drugs Act to deal with such matters." We understand that 6uch inspections are being carried out. Garden Plots. —"The district control committee urge the use of vacant lands for this purpose." This remit ie also included in the medical committee's report, and is endorsed by the executive. The Publicity Committee recommends—- " That arrangements should be made to supply newspapers with either weekly or fortnightly articles to keep. the health idea ,before the public until the next campaign is launched." "That more direct means be adopted earlier next year to interest the various women’s organisations." "That efforts be made to obtain for next year suitable films for exhibition (outdoors if necessary) as are used in propaganda in America and England. (Note: The Health Department can supply information as to where these may be obtained)." ; That all publicity matter used be collected and placed in responsible hands for use and guidance next year."