17

H.—3l

WOODVILLE. There has been no change in the sanitary condition of this small borough. The new drainageworks, designed by Mr. Metcalf, are still in abeyance, and in reply to my inquiries on this subject the Mayor, Mr. Burnett, writes, — " Dear Sir,— " Woodville Borough Council, Town Clerk's Office, 4th April, 1907. " I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, re drainage scheme for Woodville. " Some time ago we employed Mr. H. Metcalf, C.E., of Auckland, to advise us as to drainage, and formulate a scheme. So far the Council have not felt justified in proceeding with the matter. The question is being kept steadily in view, and when a favourable opportunity occurs the work will no doubt be proceeded with. " One reason for the work being hung up is the heavy expense involved. To carry out the drainage of the borough would cost from .£14,000 to £15.000, on account of the scattered population of the borough. The town is steadily progressing, and in a year or two will be more able to bear the financial burdeii involved in drainage-works. " I am, &c, " The District Health Officer, Napier." " Hubert Burnett, Mayor. With the exception of one case of scarlatina and one case of measles, there have been no notifications of infectious disease from Woodville. Gisborne. The borough is rapidly increasing in population, the centre of the town is becoming congested, new buildings are going up everywhere, and, considering the almost entire absence of sanitary arrangements, it is much healthier than it -deserves to be. I attribute Gisborne's comparative immunity from disease to its broad well-laid-out streets, which are well swept by the crisp sea-breeze, and the large amount of sunshine the town receives. The more I see of and study Gisborne do I feel justified in the opinion that I expressed in my first report when I inspected it in 1900, that, given good water and drainage, it should be one of the healthiest places in the colony, and the only death-rate should be from accident and old age. There have been a larger number of cases of diphtheria and enteric fever in Gisborne than in any other centre in my district. But it must be allowed that fourteen cases of the former in Hastings, and nine cases of the latter in Wairoa, to ten in Gisborne is in a larger proportion to the population of those two places. The scheme to supply Gisborne with pure water, designed by Mr. Hay, C.E., of Dune-din, is rapidly approaching completion, and Mr. Townley, the Mayor, informs me that by August next the water will be available. The Borough Councillors express themselves as being anxious to proceed with the drainage as soon as the water scheme is completed, and it is a consummation much to be desired that their intentions be carried out promptly. The rapidity with which Gisborne is increasing in population renders complete and up-to-date sanitary measures an earnest necessity, and if they are long I fear that, notwithstanding its many natural advantages, the town will have a rude awakening. The scheme of drainage designed by Mr. Mestayer seven years ago will probably be the one adopted. In my last report I mentioned that Gisborne was seriously considering the erection of an isolation ward, for which there is urgent need. I regret to say that during the past year there has been a great deal of backing and filling not very creditable to some of those concerned. Owing to the lack of such a ward more than one grave scandal has occurred in the town during the last year, to the inconvenience and augmentation of the suffering of the patient, and danger to the community. lam glad to report that the end of this scandal seems to be in view: plans are out for.an isolation hospital, a site has been definitely decided on, tenders have been called, and I hope that the building will be completed before long. In Gisborne, as in many other places, it has been the usual custom to build the houses with the floors an insufficient height off the ground. This evil was pointed out in the report I made on Gisborne in 1900. I have referred to the matter on several occasions since, and now, perhaps being wearied by my importunity, the Borough Council are considering a bylaw dealing with the matter. Such a measure, if honestly adhered to, must have a beneficial effect on the health of the community. TOLAGA. This township continues to grow in size and importance. Owing to the flat ground on which it is situated, it will require a great deal of attention when it becomes thickly built over. There has been one case of enteric fever in the township this year, the resident doctor being the victim. I have planned a visit to Tolaga on each of the last occasions that I have been in Gisborne lately, but the place is rather inaccessible. The roads are none too good in fine weather, and in wet shocking. As I have been unfortunate in my weather during my last visits to Gisborne, a trip to Tolaga would have involved more time than I had at my disposal. Mr. Thelwall, the Sanitary Inspector of the Cook County Council, informs me that there are several matters requiring attention in Tolaga. Tokomaru, Waipiro, Tqparoa, and Waincti. I have had no occasion to visit these places during the present year, an-d have received no communication from them. No news may be considered good news. Owing to the distance they lie from the centre, and to the fact that they are only accessible by buggy or saddle, visits of ceremony are out of the question.

3— H. 31.