HEALTH BY-LAWS IN WAITARA

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1928, Page 5

HEALTH BY-LAWS IN WAITARA

DISCUSSION BY THE COUNCIL. Reporting to the Waitara Borough Council last night the health inspector stated that for the quarter ending September 30, 27 cases of scarlet fever, one of tuberculosis, three of pneumonia and one of pneumonic influenza had been reported. He had paid 40 visits to houses, 15 to fooclsellers’ premises and had made five inspections of plumbing and drainage work. The report added that the scarlet fever outbreak was mild and conditions would soon be normal. An adequate by-law to control plumbing and drainage was urgently needed, and the inspector considered that the collection of rubbish should be put on a more definite basis in place of the present optional system. Cr. Ewens stressed the necessity for the borough’s taking steps to carry out the recommendation, especially those icgarding the collection of the rubbish, which should be undertaken by the council and charged accordingly. Cr. Hine said that under the council’s by-laws the inspector could enforce the removal of rubbish. Cr. Ewens moved that the Government regulations in regard to plumbing and draining be adopted by the council. The Mayor, Air. E. George, seconded pro forma. Cr. Sampson said the proposal had been discussed previously by the council and had been rejected as it was considered the regulations were too drastic. He favoured adopting by-laws somewhat similar to those in New Plymouth. Cr. Ewens: They are merely a guidance. Cr. Hine considered that the regulations were too arbitrary. If they were regarded by the Health Department merely as a guide he would have no objection. Cr. Ewens held that in administering the regulations, local conditions would be taken into consideration and the by-laws would not be arbitrary. It was necessary for the council to have something behind it so as to enforce the regulations for the health of the public. The resolution was lost, only the mover voting for it. Later a letter was read from the Taranaki Local Bodies’ Association regarding the proposal to incorporate in the joint by-laws health by-laws particularly covering offensive trades and the licensing of food premises. Cr. Ewens' motion that the council write offering to give every assistance to bring the by-laws into operation lapsed for want of a seconder. A motion that the council had received the letter and had noted the contents was carried.