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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 949, 13 November 1879, Page 2

[To the Editor of the Herald.] Sir, — The letter in the last issue of the Stmidard, signed " Patar Families," relating to drainage is most certainly worthy of notice. There is nothing more likely to cause fever than stagnant drainage water evaporating under the influence of a hot sun. In a young town like this, it is of course impossible to do everything at once with regard to sanitary matters, and the establishment of the earth closet system has been a very important commencement. Still one step more might be advanced, even this summer, and in the low-lying parts of the town an attempt should be made to remove all stagnant fluids. Also, if the Inspector of Nuisances would warn householders against the danger of emptying slops or the contents of wash tubs where they are likely to remain in puddles near the dwelling, it might save much sickness should the summer prove a hot one. — I am, &c, Hy. Pollen. [Dr. Pollen is mistaken. "The earth closet system," which is an admirable sanitary measure, has not beenadopted.but in its place the " box closet system," which is filthy and disgusting beyond mentioning, and which, wherever, in ignorance of sanitary laws, it has been tried, has been, after a time, abandoned. — Ed.]