A SANITARY MATTER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8777, 12 March 1897, Page 2

A SANITARY MATTER.

[to the editor.] Sib,—l note the subject of spending money in the ward or riding in which it is raised is being discussed in your columns, and I think it only right it should be so, at least to the extent of the necessary requirements. One example : The residents of Elizabeth street, between Gray Road and LeCren street, have some claim on the Levels County Council and Borough Council, and should, if it is possible, insist that a portion of the rates paid for years past should be spent in channelling the drain on the south side, so that all surplus water can escape and not be completely dammed at each outlet, as it is at present, becoming stagnant, and, as a matter of course, a nuisance to the residents and all passing up and down the street. Cleaning it out is no good, if the last time it was done is a specimen. The jobwasa disgrace to anypublic body. Why, sir, they actually cleaned out the drain which,' if left, would at least for a time have allowed all surplus water to run ; but no, they actually filled it up again with clay, and then covered it with shingle, stopping any little fall it had, and creating a perfect trap for stagnant matter. Attention was drawn to this in your columns the other day. Some foolishly argue that waste water should not be allowed to run into the street drains. If not, where is it to go ? Throw it about the houses and grounds and thus create fevers of all descriptions ? I presume that street drains are for the purpose of carrying all waste water to the main sewers, and I think that the ratepayers should insist on having this done where required. I have no doubt other streets in this part of the county are as bad. The lower part of the street is in the Borough, and I am sure that they have spent money in any number of places where it is not so much required. Perhaps if there was a Councillor living about the top of Elizabeth Street, something would be done. As it is, it is a standing disgrace to both bodies concerned. I am, etc., Resident in Elizabeth Street. March 11th, 1897.