-Yes, if it was done in districts.
( 23 )
You cannot get the contractors and you cannot
get the labour to do the whole thing at once, as it were.
You would not tackle more than two districts at one time?-Well, we cannot insure against the return of the plague coming here again this summer, and it seems to me to be very necessary that the work should be taken in hand with all possible speed and as little time lost as possible. The worst sections should of course be grappled with. The most important step just now is to pass an Ordinance conferring the necessary powers upon the Sanitary Board because if we had had such an Ordinance when the plague was here last year we should have been able to let light and air into the houses. All work towards effecting this has had to be stopped, as it was ruled we had not the necessary power.
Mr. JACKSON That is a sad state of things.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-A very sad state of things; it is very unsatisfactory.
WITNESS-It was ruled in Court that we were acting illegally and we could not do anything.
The CHAIRMAN-The light and air which were admitted to some houses have been taken away again.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-When did the Court rule that?
WITNESS-During the plague.
How many months ago?-About six months.
Mr. JACKSON That certainly was not the spirit of the intended legislation.—The Board were advised that they had no right to do these things.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-The Government should have given the Board the power to enforce the carrying out of the urgently pressing work and improvements.—The Board have written to the Government on the subject.
Mr. JACKSON-Has that been prominently put before the Government?
The CHAIRMAN-The question is referred I believe to this Commission.
Mr. JACKSON-There has been a long delay.
The CHAIRMAN-I think this Commission should take steps at once to report.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-As soon as we have Dr. CLARK's evidence and Mr. COOPER's evidence before us it is within our power to send in a preliminary report.
The CHAIRMAN-I think so, certainly.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD--And let the Government take action forthwith. There is positively no necessity for any further delay. Later on we can enquire into minor details but the preliminary report ought certainly to go in. Suppose the plague broke out again and 100,000 people were frightened away from the Colony. Where would we be?
Where would our trade be?
WITNESS-You did not get 100,000 people away during the plague last year. Mr. JACKSON We do not want anyone away from the Colony.
WITNESS-If the plague breaks out to-morrow we are practically utterly powerless to do anything to stop it.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-Take the position of Bombay into consideration. It was only by the last mail I learned that the Bombay Chamber of Commerce estimate that not less than 500,000 people had left that city.
Mr. JACKSON That is 50 per cent. of the population.