TOO MUCH SMOKE

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 76, 31 March 1922, Page 4

TOO MUCH SMOKE

COMPLAINT TO CITY COUNCIL

A deputation, representing residents of Bidwill, Rolleston, Wallace, Wright, and Hargreaves streets, waited on the City Council last night to urge that something should be done to mitigate .the nuisance caused by smoke from the. chimneys of brick kilne in the vicinity ot the, streets mentioned. It was represented to. the council that smuts from the chimneys did a great deal of damage to iron roofs and spoutings, which speedily, corroded. In addition, the smoke nuisance was a danger to health, particularly that of infants. Washing •Jay, aaid one speaker, was a veritable nightmare, and it often happened that clothes hanging out to dry were burned through by hot flying "embers. The remedy suggested was that either the chimney stacks should be raised and smoke consumers installed, or else the works should be shifted. | In reply to Councillor Luckie, a. member of .the deputation stated that the residents desired the council to help them in the matter. If the council could do nothing, then it was intended: to try^ to obtain an injunction against the brick company concerned. "We intend to have this nuisance abated," stated the speaker. Tho Mayor (Mr. 11. A. Wright, M.P.) said the matter was a very difficult one, and. had Wn before the council on many occasions. Speaking from memory, he was not sure whether, the council could interfere' However, the City Solicitor would be asked to give an opinion as to the council's powers, and a reply would be forwarded to the deputation later., >' At a later stage of the meeting, I the Mayor moved : "That the question be referred, to the Finance and Property Committee." Councillor M. F. Luckie considered that the residents should exhaust all their legal remedies before asking the council to intervene. The council should not take sides at the present stage. The nuisance complained of was not a public, but a local one, therefore the council should not come into the matter. What had occurred in the locality mentioned was merely an outcome of the growth of the city. "This smoke nuisance is regarded asn municipal matter in all large cities of the world'," remarked Councillor P. Frasc-r, M.P. Councillor Fraspr thought that the committee might very well try to make an. amicable settlement in the matter. | The. Mayor stated that soni£ years »%o the City Council took action against tho very people complained of on the present occasion, . but found that it could do nothing.' The question ■ lvai really' one for the Courts to decide. Councillor S. H. Underwood thought the time had arrived' when the council should establish a. noxious trades arc.v. Councillor T. Forsvth : "Do you refer to the tip?" (Laughter.) The representations of the deputation were referred to the Finance and Property Committee.