Pollution of the Toko

Bruce Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3099, 15 September 1899, Page 3

Pollution of the Toko

— « On Tuesday Mr Rawlins, M.H.R. for Tuapeka, visited Milton. The object of his visit was to ascertain the price farmers, who are taking legal action to stop the dredging on the Tokomairiro River, would accept as compensation. It appears that Mr Rawlins had been asked byjthe Mines Committee, when he left Wellington, if he would make these inquiries with a view to finding out what the farmers demanded. As will be remembered, the Government was waited on last week by a deputation of Otago members, including Mr Allen. Mr Rawlins, accompanied by Messrs J. Palmer, Dalziell, J. Nelson, J. Fleming, W. Dunn and others visited the properties of Messrs Dunn and Falconer, who are chiefly concerned, and inspected the river, &c. Mr Rawlins showed the position of the Government and Mines Committee in the matter. He advocated an amicable settlement, as it would be better for ' both the farmers and the miners. He pointed out that the Government proposed, if the claims made by farmers were reasonable, to pay same, and the present difficulties would theu be at an end. He further pointed out that if the farmers would not accept a reasonable price as compensation, the Government proposed to take the land affected and resume under " The Public Works Act, 189-1." cut up such land and sell it as village settlements. During the day Mr Rawlins saw the other owners of land said to be affected, including Messrs Scanlan, E. F. Palmer, and R. M-irray. The ultimate result was not satisfactory, as most of the farmers asked for sums rich almost beyond the dreams of avarice. Mr Rawlins deserves the thanks of all parties for his trouble in endeavoring to obtain an amicable settlement of a difficulty whioh, owing to its gravity, concern the member for this district far more than it does the member of an adjoining electorate. Mr Rawlins left for Wellington en route by the 5 o'clock train.