Arizona republican., 1900-12-26
THE CITY'S HEALTH
An Idea of the Work Performed by
 the Health Officer.

A litt.e investigation of the workings of the health department of the city of
 Phoenix develops the fact that the af- fairs of the city demand much more labor and skill than many people req lize. By an inquiry of the health officer, who seemed perfectly willing to exhibit the evidences of his work. it is found that records of each death occur ing in the city and those occurring out side the city limits, if buried in the city cemetery, are kept and are the basis of proofs of death in many cases involving rights of property, pension claims, etc. The health officer, pr. Hughes, says that whenever a com plaint comes to him of a nuisance in any part of the town, he gives it his immediate attention, although many times he finds that the real cause of complaint is not so much the nuisance as a difference of opinion among neigh bors.
 In looking over the records of nui- sances abated it is found that foul sta- bles and manure piles come first in number next to that is privy vaults and cesspools. Using ditches as drains for slops is frequent cause of trouble Quarantine is established and conduct ed according to necessity in all cases of contagious diseases reported to the office. Not many days pass without someone reporting a case of suspected smallpox or some contagious disease, which has to be run down and investi- ta1 ir, tn all of neighbors. The doctor informed a reporter for The Republican that the health officer also does the practice for the sick in the city jail, often being called to determine whether a man is sick or feigning, in order to keep off the chain gang.
 Regarding the new pure food ordi- nance found necessary because of sick ness and death produced through the use of impure milk, the city makes the health officer food inspector. The test of milk is made once and sometimes twice a month and records kept of the number, the name of the dairy, the name of the vendor, where collected, the time, register of hydrometer, reg ister of lackometer, per cent of butter fat, per cent of cream, per cent of W has furnished a competent equipment for this analysis and the result has been that the quality of the milk fur nished to consumers is well up in stan dard. much better than before the law went into effect.
 All the herds of dairy cows. the method of handling milk is all looked after under the ordinance Every slaughter pen and butcher shop is frequently inspected and much care is taken that the food supply of the city is the best that can be had.
 To thoroughly carry out the inten- tions of the law without constant liti- gation requires tact as well as skill. and industry and one can see at glance that the office of food inspector and health officer is by great odds the most important office in connection with city affairs, and that the work of that office is being done thoroughly without fear or favor and accomplish ing the best results.
 Phoenix is getting to be a city Of and importance to justify a salary sufficient to enable a compe- tent man to devote his entire attention to aid in the preservation of the gen. eral health of the city.