To the Editor of the "Norta-Cama Dairy News."
Sir,—All sorts of societies make it their aim during these days to ce-operate with the Health Department in improving the health conditions in Shanghai. But what is the use of spending all this energy if the Health Department itself has not sufficient power to carry its own suggestions etc., through, let alone other people's suggestions?
A very - significant case to demonstrate the helplessness of our model Health Department occurred to me during the last few days. 1 live in a certain terrace for which a certain well-known firm are the agents. For days the drain pipes at the back of our premises have been clogged up with the result that the stench is appalling. I went to the nearest Health Department sub-ofice; the gentleman in charge at once and very politely promised me all the help he could. He at once sent coolies round and had the slime sprinkled over with mosquito oil. But he said he could not force the landlord to have the drains repaired at once. He had first to serve him with a notice and the landlord had four weeks' time in which to think it Sur,—The absence of the American judge has caused serious damages in many a case pending in the U.S. Court.
I am also a victim of these strange circumstances, but in. my case the delay of justice is a menace to my very existence.
I filed my petition on May 12, 1921, and have waited already over a year for the decision—either to be placed in the mental ward, or to recover my right to earn a living.
Meanwhile, prevented from taking care of myself, I still breathe, therefore need a roof, food and clothes.
Sir, is it to this hideous goal that civilization and culture brought us?
T am, ete.,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.