THE HEALTH OF THE TOWN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8141, 18 April 1888, Page 3

THE HEALTH OF THE TOWN.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib, — I noticed some time ago the Health Officer recommended the Borough Council to go in for a drainage scheme for the town, which any man of common sense can see is not necessary, aa the natural formation of the town does not require a drainage. Besides, if the drainage was deposited anywhere on the beach the people would not be able to live in the town when the wind was off the sea. Bnt, sir, why doesn't the Health Officer speak out and tell the people tbe cause of all the sickness that is prevalent just now in the Borough ? Why does be not tell the Council it is caused by people keeping pigsties at their back doors ? I believe, sir, that this diphtheria, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, and all other epidemics that have been prevalent in New Plymouth for tho last ten years can be traced to those pigsties. There are some parts of the town you cannot puss of a night without holding your noso from the stench arising from these p/geties, where the poor brutes are penned in a small space and al tbe decayed vegetation from the garden is thrown into the sty, and left there with their own filth, in some cases for six months. Can any Health Officer expect anything else than an epidemic from such a state of affaire, but I suppose tbe more Bickne6S the more pay for the doctors. We have Mr Bellringer's pet as a Nuisance Inepector to the tune of ten shillings a day. I think it is time that he was put in his proper place, as foreman of the Borough workmen, instead of walking about gossipping with people, when he should be with his pick and shovel with his men at work. As long as the ratepayers are agreeable to pay 3s 9J in the £, it will suit Mr Bcllringer and a few of the Borough Council, but as the election is drawing near I hope the people will turn them oat, and put in those that are pledged to lower the rates, for while we are burdened with such exorbitant rates we keep people from settling amongst us, and keep back all improvements and prosperity. Apologising for tresspassing on your valuable space. — 1 am, &c, One that is Watching the Moves.