THE ABATTOIRS QUESTION.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10022, 28 April 1898, Page 6

THE ABATTOIRS QUESTION.

A deputation consisting of Messrs Munnings and Efford waited on the Selwyn Council yesterday, with reference to the suggested erection of abattoirs in Addington. Mr Munnings said it had appeared in the papers that there was a movement on foot to get the abattoirs put as near as possible to the Addington Saleyards. The land in this part of the district was very low, and all the drainage must come through the park and thence to the Avon, past the hospital and through the city. It was the farmers and butchers who made a profit, and he thought the consumers should be first considered.- The public, he believed, would be glad to pay more for their meat if by so doing they secured safety to health. Mr Munnings went on to speak on the cattle driving nuisance, and instanced cases of narrow escapes. The establishment of abattoirs in the district would mean increased danger and discomfort. The chief danger, however, was on the ground of health. He would suggest as sites Halswell or the sandhills. He believed that the Public Trustee harl, with reference to an estate under his control, protested against the erecting of au abattoir near the bacon curing establishment. The Government also would be likely to protest against abattoirs being placed iv in such a position that drainage would come through the Addington works. For these reasons he urged that the abattoirs be placed at a reasonable distance from the city and suburbs.

Mr Efkord drew attention to the nuisance which would arise from the chemical works which would be necessary for the disposal of offal in the event of large abattoirs being erected.

Mr Westenra, in reply, said the Council bad as yet come to no decision whatever. At the conference of Sub-Committees from the Selwyu Council and the City Council, it had been suggested that a permanent committtee be set up to so into the matter thoroughly. At all events they could be certain that neither companies nor persons would receive undue consideration in the matter. The deputation then withdrew.