SEWAGE AND GARBAGE

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28231, 20 March 1957, Page 14

SEWAGE AND GARBAGE

Reply To Complaint Of Waste Several statements by Mr W. T. Wainman, president of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Organic Compost Society, made after he visited the board’s sewage farm and printed in “The Press” yesterday, were answered by the chairman of the Christr church Drainage Board (Mr H. P. Smith) at a meeting last evening.

To Mr Wainman's statement that 12.000,000 to 15.000,000 gallons of water and sludge was being wasted Mr Smith said the board had always aimed at producing sludge. If there was a demand for it, the board could and would in future market it.

Of a complaint that the board and the City Council were “at loggerheads,” ,Mr Smith said it was not true. There was the fullest co-operation where their interests ran together. No-one who had studied town planning had considered a city of millions, as Mr Wainman had referred to. Mr Smith said. All the board’s planning was on the basis of a population of 250,000.

“It is true that at least 1000 cattle could be supported on the farm instead of the present 400,” Mr Smith said of another comment. “But the board's function is to run a farm to dispose of sewage,” he added. "Talking Through His Hat”

“He is talking through his hat,” said Mr W. P. Glue. “Out of 900 acres we have there are fewer than 300 which could be irrigated.” Some years ago the City Council had dumped garbage at the farm, it had been covered with sewage and turned over, Mr Glue said. It was available free to anyone who wanted it. It was not economic for local authorities to produce compost. To do so would require everyone to put out two rubbish tins—one for garbage and the other for ashes, bottles, and so on—and while it might be possible in some small boroughs it was not so in cities.

“If the person who made the statement saw the officers of the board or the council and got the facts, he would not talk such damned rot,” Mr Glue said.