SLUDGE CHANNELS.

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1933, Page 7

SLUDGE CHANNELS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Would you kindly give me spare in your valuable paper for a few words for the wrongs tha-t need resistance. 1 see by your paper of June 14th an account of the Ikamatua Farmers’ Union meeting. I notice that a resolution was passed to ask the Government, to cancel regul::.tions in certain rivers ami creeks on the West Coast being sludge channels. Now. Air. Editor. I am in sympathy with any farmer whose ground is flooded through tailings or gravel put into rivers or creeks affecting their farms, I but 1 wish to point out tha-t if the Mining Act is altered re sludge channels, one never knows where that will stop. In the present, case, which I am thoroughly acquainted with, it appears to mo that through one small claim affecting three farms, the Farmers’ Union wish to lia-ve the Alining Act altered. I would point out that should such an action bo entertained by the Mines Department, it would destroy the industry in this district and throw hundreds of men out of work. besides ruining several good mines. To mention two, first the Blackwater mine. This mine has produced something like £2,000,000 worth of gold, and has mainte.-ined something like 800 people for the past 25 years, and still going strong, and is, I think, the best mining property in the South Island. The amount of plant and machinery must be over £lOO,OOO in value. Then there is the Alt. David Suicing (’la.im. This company has expended some £30.000, and employed some hundreds of men during the past two years. They deserve every encouragement, instead of blocking their sludge channel. There are several other claims, besides individual parties working in this area. 'fhev will all hr.-ve Io cease operations should the farmers’ request be acceded 10. Now, Mr. Editor, I can give you a solution to this problem. Either the Government buy these farms or compensate the farmers, or better still, cancel the claims causing the trouble ami compensate the owners, ami don’t allow that same ground Io be taken up again for mining purposes. Hoping some more able pen than mine will add to this my ]>r(>test against a wrong. Thanking yon in anticipation.—l am AIINER. Blackwater, June 14/1933.