A FREEMAN'S BAY COMPLAINT

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 70, 21 March 1908, Page 3

A FREEMAN'S BAY COMPLAINT

The residents of Freeman's Bay are innlghtsoil contractor to store liis pans oa an allotment which he has purchased in Napier-street. The contractor lias obtained permission from the City Council to erect a stable on the allotment, and in order that the depot should not be established without a protest, a meeting of ratepayers in the vicinity was held at the Napier-street school last night. Mr J. Patterson presided, and there was a large attendance. Mr J. Mayn moved, "That this meeting of citizens urge on City Council the necessity of taking su<-h' steps (whether by by-law or other means) as will prevent the present sanitary contractor from storing his plant on the section recently purchased by him in Napier-street; they are certain that the occupation of this section for the said plant would be an outrage on the inhabitants of this closely populated district, and a menace to the health of all living In the district, as well as to the large number of children attending the Napier-street school." He pointed out that there were 400 or 500 children attending the school, and the establishment of the depot would endanger their health and that of all the residents in the district He thought it was an insult to the residents that such a thing should be suggested, as it placed them on a Par "with scavengers.

Mr A. J. Entrican, a councillor, stated that he had given notice of motion at the last meeting of the Council to propose a by-law to prohibit any nightsoil plant being erected within 100 yards of any dwelling. This, he said, would get over the difficnlty. Mr Entrican pointed out that the Council had no power to refuse a permit for the erection of the stables, so long as they were Id accordance with existing by-laws. As the law stood at present a nuisance would have to be proved before they conld do anything as regards the storage of the plant in Napier-street, but if passed his motion would give the Council the necessary authority. The majority of the Council were in sympathy of the residents in the matter, and it was only a question as to whether the Act gave the Council the power to adopt the proposal.

Two other councillors, Messi-s E. Tudehope and R. Parrell, spoke in similar terms, and after discussion the motion was adopted, the Chairman being instructed to forward a copy to the Council. It was also decided to circularise the District Health Gfficer (Dr. Purdy), placing him in possession of the facts, and stating what was being done

A vote of thanks to the Chairman con eluded the meeting.