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47
The keeping of pigs is another frequent source of nuisance.
It is stated that pigs are specially prone to tuberculosis, but I think
this statement requires modification. I venture to say that if other
animals susceptible to this disease were kept under the same filthy
conditions as those under which pigs live, the incidence of tuberculosis
among them would be greater than amongst pigs. I am
certain that by keeping pigs under clean conditions, tuberculosis
amongst them would be lessened and the risk of infection from
this source of our food supply would in proportion be diminished.
During the year, many complaints have been received by the
Health Department as to nuisances arising from animals, especially
poultry, kept at the rear of premises. In the interest of adjoining
residents and of public health generally, it is necessary that the
Council should have power to control the keeping of animals under
these conditions.
Legal powers necessary. The following clauses are suggested
for insertion in the Council's Bill of 1912, to cover the above
points:—
Information of Nuisances to Sanitary Authority.
1. Information of a nuisance liable to be dealt with
summarily under Acts in force within the district, may be
given to the Council by any person, and it shall be the duty
of every officer of the Council to give that information and
also the duty of the Council to give such directions to their
officers as will secure the existence of the nuisance being immediately
brought to the notice of any person who may be required
to abate it, and the officer shall do so by serving a written
intimation. (London).
Extending provisions of Section 266 of the Public Health Act, 1875.
2. From and after the commencement of this Act, Section
266 of the Public Health Act, 1875, as to authentication of
notices, shall extend and apply to the Medical Officer of
Health and the said Sections, so far as they affect the district,
shall be read as if the words "Surveyor or Medical Officer of
Health" were inserted instead of the word " Surveyor."