A FLY CRUSADE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 23 October 1912, Page 2

A FLY CRUSADE.

SOME OF WANGANLTS BACK-

YARDS

ALLEGATION OF WOMEN

TRAVELLERS

FINE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR

FEVER

Our travelling reporter records the fact that on the train journey south yesterday morning rather an interesting discussion took place between two ladies concerning first of all the weather and then future prospects. Both were unanimous that there was every evidence of a long, dry, warm summer being experienced, and then'one went a little further and said that she was certain we were going to have a hot time through the number of flies that were assemUing already at her house, because of a stable near her place. This, of course, opened up a vital question, and some interesting confidences were given and of several of the statements made, and if tho opinions expressed by those ladies were of any value, a severe indictment was made against the Wanganui Borough Council for its lethargy in not promoting a back-yard investigation, and a vigorous system of inspection, followed by the prosecution against thoso who allow filth to accumulate to the detriment of tho health of the community. It was alleged that in scores of instances, back-yards of dwellings were simply breeding grounds of disease, and that if an outbreak occurred in Wanganui, results would be alarming. The question is certainly one that requires consideration and further investigation, in tho meantime it may bo stated that a crusade as about to be commenced in New Zealand to annihilate the innocent little winged insect which flutters around the jam and -treacle pot, and which torments the baldheaded seigniors of the community. It haci been demonstrated in America that the common house-fly is responsible for thc-c spread of contagious disease to au alaiming extent, and a "swatting" crusade is being vigorously conducted. The campaign has spread to Australia, and now New Zealand in following in the wake. During the coming summer months there is likely to be a keen demand for fly-papers and traps. When the evils wrought, by the house-fly are fully appreciated, the " kill that fly" crusade will be conducted with relentless vigour.

It is to be hoped, in tho interests of tho health of the community, that the various streets, particularly those heavily populated, will be visited by the inspector and a surprise house to house back-yard visit made. A spring cleaning in the back-yard is equally .as important as in the inside of the house. In Auckland, some disgusting revelations were made, when the cleaning tip process was undertaken a little over a year ago, and if the conversation on tho Wanganui-Palmerston train yesterday morning has any vestige of truth whatever, the sooner a systematic inspection of back-yards, stables, etc., in Wanganui is undertaken the better it will bo for the health of Wanganui's big and increasing population.