THE PLAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15142, 13 May 1911, Page 8

THE PLAGUE.

RAT-PROOF WHARVES REQUIRED. (From Oue Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, May 12. ;-'I am deeply impressed with Hie necessity for systematic and thorough action to- get rid of unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in the city," said tho Mayor (Mr C. J. Parr), speaking to a Herald representative. "I have had almost daily conversations with Dr Ma-kgil l (District Health Officer) and the City Council's sanitary stall as to the best means of clearing tho rats out of the sewers. Dr Makgill reports, however, that until the new sewers are laid down and tho drainage scheme is brought into operation we can only imperfectly deal with the matter. This means, I suppose, that it will be a- couple of years yet before perfect drainage can bo secured for Queen street and the low-lying areas. I think, however, that in tho meantime we must do everything that is possible to ■ drive the rati out of these eewere, and Dr M-akgill and his assistant (Dr Monk), together with the city sanitary inspector (Mr Haynes), are now consulting as to tho best means for dealing immediately with the newer rats." " I am satisfied," proceeded M.r Parr, "that tho infeefced rate all come from the water front, and I think the Harbour Ikxird, while doing a good deal in exterminating these pests, might do still more in this direction. These rats get their food largely from tho grain ships that come in and the throwing of waste food, etc., from the vessels into the harbour, and I would suggest that the new Harbour Board consider the advisability of framing regulations to prevent tho dimming of food and waste into the water near tho wharves. Moreover, tho wharves in my opinion should be made rat-proof."