DREDGING MENACE

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 December 1945, Page 3

DREDGING MENACE

COAST FARMERS’ DISCUSSION. A meeting of representatives of Grey district local bodies, convened by the "West Coast Farmers’ Federation, was held at Greymouth on Saturday, when the farmers sought public support foi’ a resolution passed at their meeting held several weeks ago. Those present were: Mr. F. A. Kitchingham, chairman; Messrs. J. Mulcare (County Council), W. D. Taylor (Westland Progress League), D. B. Jellie, H. D. Beckett (Farmers’ Union), J. Doyle, T.; Pratt (Trades' Council), W. Clayton (Westland Catchment Board), J. Saunders, and E. W. Kennedy. After lengthy discussion of the menace to farmlands by dredging operations in the Grey Valley, the following two resolutions were carried unanimously:— (1) “That control of all rivers in the West Coast Catchment District be vested in the Catchment Board and that the Board have authority over mining operations where it r?. felt that these operations are prejudicial to production or are a menace to farm lands.”

(2) “That all revenue paid to the Crown by mining companies in respect of the destruction or damage of land in the district be spent in the district.”

Mr. Kitchingham stated that the mining laws and legislation concerning soil erosion appeared to be in opposition. The flimsy control given by the Minister of Mines gave little protection to the farmers. In connection with the clause relating to the spending of money given as compensation for damage, it was stated that the dredging company holding an option over a piece of land in the Red Jacks district would have to pay £l5 an acre to the Crown if it operated on this land. However, it was not Crown land and the Farmers’ Federation felt that it £l5 an acre were paid it should be spent in the district. ” The view taken ‘by Mr. Beckett, with reference to damage done by dredging, was that the dredges were v/orking on a diminishing aspect, and that farming, which will one day be the chief industry on the Coasu should be protected. Tliis view was supported by several other speakers, it being pointed out that the legislation concerning the mining industry in Westland had been passed at a time when gold was the most important product and other industries much in the background. These laws were now out of date and should be revised. Mr. Clayton read an extract from New Zealand Gazette No. 5, dated January 23, 1903, which allowed the Grey River and tributaries, excepting Rough River and the Ahaura and tributaries above Granite, to be used as a. sludge channel for tailings and other debris. He did not consider the mining industry would be penalised if this were revised and believed the Catchment Board, considering all cases on their merits, could adjudicate successfully in the event of complaints. « It was decided to forward copies of the resolutions to the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Mines, Lands, Forestry and Agriculture. The matter of deputations to the above Ministers was held over pending their replies. Arrangements for a further meeting were left to Mr. Kitchingham and Mr. Mulcare.