27

H.—3l

" Producer "-gas Plants. In a special report dated September, 1906, I called attention to the possible dangers from the use of what is known as " producer "or " suction " gas as a source of energy. This gas can be manufactured at a very low cost, and is in many ways useful, so that it is already in pretty general use. It consists chiefly of carbon-monoxide, produced by driving steam through glowing coke. A very small escape into a closed space, therefore, might be followed by serious consequences to those breathing the air so polluted, and, as this gas is odourless and accumulative in effect, no warning of danger might be experienced by the sufferer, who might breathe the.atmosphere for some time, and be overcome in the end quite suddenly. Even so low a proportion "as 0 - 4 per cent, may prove fatal if breathed for an hour, and so dangerous has it proved when used in the form known as "water-gas " as a diluent for ordinary illuminating-gas that stringent regulations as to the percentage addition permissible have been enacted by the British Home Office. lam not aware that it is in use in this country as a diluent for illuminating-gas, but it would be well if regulations were made restricting its use in this form, and also enabling one to supervise the construction and use of " producer "-gas plants, so that any danger can be avoided. An instance of its fatal powers has already occurred at Gisborne, and from inquiries made I have heard of other cases where ill effects followed on tbe careless running of these engines. By-laws. A considerable amount of time has been occupied in the framing of model sanitary by-laws for the guidance of the smaller local authorities, which are unable to secure expert advice on such matters as building and drainage regulations. Dr. Frengley and I have collaborated in preparing models for drainage and plumbing regulations, and the District Health Officers of other districts have been asked to assist by criticism and advice on these and other efforts. 'So far models have been completed for—(1) drainage and plumbing; (2) building, for small local bodies; (3) nightsoil services; (4) suggested by-laws dealing with overcrowding; (5) general sanitary regulations for small townships. Rough drafts of these hare already been printed and sent to the Crown Law Officers for revision ; others are in course of construction, but owing to the time they occupy and the lack of opportunity for continued work at them, their completion is very slow. By-laws have been supplied to the following places: — Building By-laws to Eketahuna, Levin, Johnsonville, Picton, Eltham, Rangitikei, Taihape, and Hunterville. Nightsoil By-laws to Picton and Johnsonville. General Sanitary By-laws to Taihape, Rangitikei, Hunterville, Eketahuna, and Levin. By-laws regulating Stables to Stratford.

Legal Actions. The following is a list of the prosecutions undertaken by the Department during the year:—

The following were undertaken at the instance of this Department: —

No. Date. Particulars. Fine and Costs 1 2 3 4 5 1906. May 5 Aug. 26 „ 28 „ 28 ■ 28 Exposing unsound fruit for sale (two informations) Scarlet-fever patient travelling in public vehicle £ s. a. 10 16 0 3 10 0 4 18 3 4 18 3 2 13 4 tt it n "' Scarlet-fever case not notified by householder ... „ conveyed by cabman, who did not have cab disinfected afterwards Diphtheria patient travelling in public vehicle ... Exposing unsound fruit for sale 5 14 0 5 17 0 6 7 Sept. 3 . 17 1907. Jan. 11 „ 18 . 23 Feb. 11 Mar. 1 , 11 8 9 10 11 12 13 Scarlet-fever patient travelling in public vehicle Selling condensed milk deficient in butter-fat ... Scarlet-fever patient travelling in public vehicle Unsound condensed milk used in manufacture of sweets... Using leaking milk-can stopped with soap Diphtheria patient travelling in public vehicle ... 16 0 4 10 0 0 5 0* 11 17 6 4 10 0 t *And oosib. f Lost through defect in Act.

0. Date. Particulars. Fine and Costs. 1906. June By Corporation (non-compliance with condemnation certificate) ... Bemoval order granted. Fine and costs 1 2 3 Sept. 11 Oct. 8 1907. January By Stock Department (unclean dairy) „ (keeping unregistered dairy) „ (selling underweight calves), and by Corporation ("blown" carcases) a 4 it