The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-04-27
Sanitary Engineer Herring Gives
Advice.
HOW TO KEEP SUPPLY PURE
Board of Health Addressed-Filtra
ton Is Suggested-Report Re-
ceived by the Board.

The Board of Health met yesterday
afternoon to discuss the matter of fl
tration with Engineer Rudolph Herring
and to take up general business. The
engineer was introduced by President
Cooper.
Mr. Herring opened his remarks by
declaring that if it were possible to get
good ground water it would be better
than if filtration were resorted TO. A fill
tering plant needs ccaSeless attention
In the great cities if it is possib e. he
ground or artesian water is preferred.
Mr.. Herring told of the filtered Wafer
of London, where great care is taken
with the water supply. If exposed to
sun after being filtered it turns green.
Some covering is necessary. He had
examined the reservoir at Makiki and
found that though free from animal
pollution steps should be taken to pre-
vent vegetable pollution, which is
Ia menace in tropical countries.
In regard to the system of filtration,
Mr.. Herring preferred the slow method
to the mechanical rapid method. There
is little difference in cost. The trouble
with the rapid filtration is that il re-
quires very close attention and often
fails in the purposes desired
The difficulty here is with the sand,
the high price of which is so great that
iC increases the amount of money nee
essary. He recommended, as in his re-
port that crushed rock be used instead.
Mr.. Herring desired chat suggestions
be offered him in order that ne might
inquire into them during his stay here
and inform the Board of his re-
searches. DR.. Wood stated that it
seemed as if in the future the resi-
dences would be higher UP than our
reservoirs and some steps should be
taken toward placing a reservoir above
the elevation of residences. Dr. Wood
suggested that Punchbowl be selected
for this purpose. its natural formation
making it admirably fitted for a res
erVOir.
In discussing the filters Mr.. Herring
favored the slow system. Either that
or the mechanical system, however,
would give satisfaction. Owing to
labor being somewhat scarce it would
probably take longer to set up the slow
system than the mechanical The fl
tration reservoir might be built before
the situation of the plant is decided
taken up.
G. w. Smith reported in regard to the
Insane Asylum. Plans were exhibited
for new buildings, which are necessary
owing to the increase Of patients. Dr.
Day remarked that the matter has been
up before the Board before, but the
conclusion has always been reached
that large permanent building should
be built. DR.. Herbert reported that
the asylum guards had been drawn on
jury duty causing inconvenience, and
asked that steps be taken to release
them. He requested a leave of absence
for three or four months, during which
DR.. Humphris act as his successor.
This was granted
DR.. Emerson introduced resolution
to the effect that immediate steps
should be taken regarding the estab-
lishment of a filtration system. The
resolution was approved by the Board.
The reports of the fish and meat in
spectors were read and approved. The
resignation of l.. d. Keliipio as clerk
of the fish inspector, was reported.
Reports of the Waimea hospital and
Maternity Home were read and ap-
proved.
The usual recommendation was made
that -..lss A. S. Cleveland be granted a
license to practice medicine
letter was read from Mr.. E. c.
Shorey accepting the position of Food
Inspector of Honolulu. He will enter
upon MS duties May LIST.
Marshal Brown informed the Board
that DR.. KobyasnI had requested leave
to establish hospital on Vineyard
street. No action was taken as the
matter was out of the Boards juris-
dictiOn.
The time of leaving for the regular
visit to Molokai was discussed At
present no steamer is available. There
is possibility of going up Sunday as
most OF the steamers are generally
idle that day. No definite time was de-
cided upon.
The following We're present at the
meeting: Attorney General Cooper.
secretary Wilcox, DR.. Emerson, G. w.
Smith, L. d. Keliipio, DIR. Wood, DR..
Day, Rudolph Herring, DR.. Alvarez and
DR.. Herbert.