View report page

8
and with good damp courses. The drainage in every case has
been carefully tested by the hydraulic test.
There is another matter upon which I should like to
touch, as in its effects it is bound to have an influence for
evil on the health of many individuals if allowed to proceed
unchecked. I allude to the habit of smoking amongst boys
which has become so prevalent. It is now quite a common
thing to see young boys and lads smoking openly in the public
streets. The sight is in itself objectionable, but becomes
positively sad and painful when one considers the evil effects
which indulgence in this habit by the young is sure to bring
about. It causes premature undermining of youthful constitutions,
and destroys that healthy physical condition which is
essential to the growth and development of a fine and strong
race. Boys and youths who indulge in this habit cannot
expect to develop into men with nerves and muscles strong
and fit to do their duty manfully in the battle of life—worthy
sons of the Empire. It becomes a serious question whether
legislative measures ought not to be passed to prohibit smoking
among, and the supply of tobacco to, boys under 16 years
of age. At present no legal check or restriction whatever
exists. No doubt the habit is generally contracted in ignorance
of its baneful effects, and good might be done if schoolmasters
would make these known amongst boys under their
charge.
The alterations and improvements at the Sewage Farm
(a large and expensive scheme) referred to at length in my
last Annual Report are now approaching completion, and
will, no doubt, be taken over by the Council at an early date.
In my Report for the year 1896, writing on the subject of the
improvement of the old Farm, I said I felt assured that no
scheme would prove satisfactory that did not provide for a
thorough precipitation of the solids, and I believed it would
be found necessary to provide proper filter beds as well. The
new scheme fulfils both of these requirements, and also
provides for final treatment of the sewerage over the land.
During the year no less than 742 loads of Dust and
House Refuse have been dealt with, and I have been glad
to notice a general improvement in the way in which the
Farm has been managed.
Reports on the Health of the District generally, and the
prevalence (or otherwise) of Infectious Cases, with other
information, have been rendered by me to the Council at
each meeting.
I am indebted to the Surveyor (Mr. Hill Parr) for much
useful information on some of the subjects embodied in this
Report.