DIRTY DUNEDIN DRAINS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7505, 12 September 1902, Page 2

DIRTY DUNEDIN DRAINS

A NEWSPAPER COMPLAINT. If private individuals do anything in contravention of the spirit of the Public Health Act they are speedily brought to book, and rightly so (says the Dunedia "Star"). The private individual however, is not the only offender in this way, at- the following illustration -will show :— ■ About a week ago the: drains connected with certain adjoining residences in northern George Street were found to 'have gone wrong in sortie way, ; and a man. was sent up to- investigate. His investigations coneisted in the digging of some half-dozen holes in a- right-of-way leading to the residences (mentioned. This disclosed the fact that the drain-pipes were broken, and: twist' ed in all directions, and that the sewerage hadi been, making .its own way through the ground apparently for years. After heaping up Borne piles of evil-smelling matter in the way and' laying a few board* over the 'holes he had dug, this drain-mender went his way. The malodorous exhalations have < been going on ever since. On Tuesday, we are informed, an inspector came along and threatened the rate-' payers concerned with 'the usual pains and penalties if they did not forthwith comply with certain conditions in reference to the laying ofia new, dirain. This is all very wwel t but tihe point is : Why did not the inspector come along sooner,/ 1 and! why were these holes allowed to discharge their fumes for a, week? \ -Such methods of doing business are a menace to public health, ' and 1 only time will show whether or nob the occurrence under review has had. any ill effects. .