The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-09-02
VERY HEALTHY CITY.
Great Falling Off in the Death
Rate Last Month.
PROPOSED NEW PLUMBING LAW.
DIR. Sparkling Recommends Examination
for Master Plumbers-Inspector
Creighton Resigns.

The regular monthly meeting of the board OF
health was held yesterday afternoon. Health
Officer H. I. Sparkling presented the following
report:
The total number of deaths during the mouth
was forty -FOUR. against seyentytwo for the same
month last year, showing marked decrease IN
the death rate:
Deaths by wards are as follows: First, );
Second, 3: Third, L. Fourth. 5; Filth, 6; sixth,
4; Seventh, l.: Eighth, 7.
Nearly one-thiEd the total deaths came from
Lake I Mon district, and are caused By lack OF
sewer and good drinking water.
There were only eight deaths from cholera in
iantum, against sixteen for the same month last
year. This remarkable decrease in this scourge
OF lnIantile life may be ascribed TO improved
sanitary conditions attained by constant ana
systematic Inspections made under the dtrec-
tons o. this department., and the careful AMI
conscientious work OF the sanitary inspector
For the same reason is the marked decrease IN
typhoid fever, only three deaths being reported,
against ten for the same month last year.
During the month there vera iiied Tor record
forfy-six births. twenty-five being male and
twenty lone female. The record OF births shows
great laxity among certain physicians
Arrangements have been made with the
births and deaths fled with the city health
officer, and by him with the auditor the first OF
each month. This will give more complete
record.
The number of contagious diseases reported
were: Diphtheria, two; typhoid fever, eight.
Fifty-nine nuisarces were reported and abated
seventeen complaints Without cause luFeStl-
gated, seventy-seyen notices served, and twenty
eight re-nspections made. The number OF
coMpla hts is increasing every month. Mat
tiers, however trivial, are investigated. Before
an order is issued an attempt has always been
made TO have the nuisance abated by repre-
senting TO the party maintaining the nuisance
Its character aad annoyance to the complain
ant. In many instances this has proved sue
cesSful.
At present there Is no means provided for the
removal OF dead animals, and II is now beeom-
irley ii Trtlf RI ypfQJ n thar1
they know they viii have to wait for their
money month or longer.
The manner in which the night soil is
handled is very Objectionable. The scayengers
should be compelled to receive a permit from
the health office before cleaning vault and
also be requi;ed 10 use the odorless excavating
apparatus
Slaughter houses are located mainly on Grant
street bridge and not lit To be used for such pur
poses. They should have floors impervious 20
moisture. The cattle yard should be paved,
drained and cleaned every twenty-four hours
The Slaughter-house should be cleaned after the
work OF the day is over. and all oifa, heads, etc.,
removed. In warm weather the woodwork
around the pens and killing rooms should be
scraped and whitewashed at least once a week.
Following this came a recommendation that a
law be as>ed regulating the business OF slaugh-
tering in this city, and providing for permits,
TO be issued by the board of health, before any
one could conduct such business.
The plumbing inspector Issued sixty-fvc
plumbing certificates, accepted forty pieces OF
work ana rejected twelve. Ninety-eight build
ings were inspecte L.. The plumbing ordinance
has been enforced ,gidly and with gratifying re-
suits. Not complaint III sewer gas has been
received where the building was constructed and
drained according to the ordinance. There has
been motto, able absence OF malaria.
The inspector encounters one difficulty in
that some master PLANTERS do not understand
the theory and practice OF their trade. 1t Is
therefore recommended that all ma ter plumb
ers be licensed, and that applicants for licenses
lie made to pass an examination before the
board OF health. In this matter the Mas er
Plumbers Association are in cooperation with
the movement.
During the month every member OF the de-
partment has faithfully performed the labors
allotted him.
DIR. Sparkling finished his report with the fol-
lowing remarks:
At this meeting we lose our sanitary inspec-
tor. Mr.. d. A. Creighton, who resigns to accept
better position elsewhere. | desire to express
my thanks TO him FOR the kind and courteous
treatment he has always shown me.
The following bills were presented and al
lowed: J. VI. Lang Company, t2l.32; A. J. Nc.
Intosh, $50; Grace hospital, sl46; T. d. Hinek-
ley, SIS; NJ. NJ Teater IS: B. J. Keith, So.
communication received from the
Master Plumbers Association concurring in the
views of Health Officer sparling in reference to
requiring master plumbers to pass an examina-
ton and receive a certificate before being
allowed to carry on their work The board de-
cided to recommend that an ordinance should
be passed establishing a board of examiners, to
consist OF the plumbing inspector, health officer
and one master plumber.
The resignation OF Sanitary Inspector D. A.
Creighton was accepted with regret and a vote
of thanks extended 10 him for the manner in
which he had performed his duties. H., Rev burn
was appointed 10 fill the position vacated