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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 622, 10 February 1879, Page 2

We are pleased to find that the recommendations which were contained m the columns of the Herald, a few days back, with regard to the Government School, have been attended to. The closets have been removed to the extreme end of the ground. The old pits have been well covered over. The school-building has been cleansed and ventilated, so that we think parentß may now cease to be alarmed. There are

still many fever cases m the town and suburbs ; some slight and some serious. We think a crowded school-room not desirable at present, the School Committee, aided by tlie Head Master, having done all which might lie m their power, parents may exercise their own judgment. The evil was one crying for relief. We wrote strongly, because we wrote from personal observation, and a thorough knowledge of what was required to be dove, before school children were permitted to assemble m number. We have received the thanks of many parents, for drawing attention to a matter which so greatly concerned them. We merely performed a duty, which calls for no thanks. It is said by many that the now prevailing epidemic is not infectious. This, however, we think, is far from certain. One child of a family is struck down, followed by another and another, until the whole household is stricken. This would look like infection. But, again, one of a family will be attacked, while all others, although m immediate contact, escape. The best thing we can say is, ive do not knoio, and to use such precautions as if fever cases were infectious. The epidemic h;is done this much good. It has made people more cautious as to the disposal of animal and vegetable refuse. It has shown them that our well-water is highly unwholesome, and not fit for any other purpose than for garden purposes. People now know and feel that the town must have a proper water supply, at whatever cost may be required to obtain it. They begin to think that one long summer drought, which has brought disease m its train, may be followed by a second, and that sanitary regulations, so long neglected, must be attended to, and, if necessary, enforced. It will be found that we have not suffered m vain. That out of evil sometimes good. It would have been well, perhaps, had the Committee directed the School to be closed ; but as it was quite at the option of parents, whether they would allow their children to attend, or whether they would keep them away, no great harm has been done.