RIVER POLLUTION

Grey River Argus, 27 May 1938, Page 12

RIVER POLLUTION

Growing Problem

QUESTION OF AUTHORITY.

WELLINGTON, May 23.

Pointing out that many instances of river pollution have been reported to acclimatisation societies, and that by the serving of notices to offending parties the evil has been prevented in many such cases, the annual report of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, referring to its own position, says that with the exception of the societies, the Health Department only is invested with power to act, and that only as far as the health of the community is concerned. The powers of societies are limited as they must prove harm to fish befoie they can take action. “The conversion of New Zealand s water courses into common sewers cannot be tolerated,” says the report. “A most alarming cause of pollution is that of tar emulsion spraying of highways. It is stated that bitumen does not possess properties harmful, to fish, and that it is most unlikely that washings from it would get into the streams. Tar emulsion, however, has proved exceedingly harmful and easily finds its way into the water through the storm-water drainage system, owing to its thin liquid consistency. Most of the harm could be avoided if some thought and care were given by the- servants of those responsible. It has been suggested, for instance, that a wooden frame should be placed around sumps before spraying and left until the emulsion has dried, and so prevent the liquid entering the drains. . “Complaints are continually being made to us by those who are not interested in fishing concerning the filthy state of some of our streams, upon the banks of which milk factories, meat works, and other industries are established. The complaintants are apprised of the legal position and advised to place their grievance before the Health Department; they invariably reply that such a course has been followed, but so far without avail. They point out—and rightly so —that streams which should be free from drainage matter, and safe for drinking purposes, are not so and are, therefore, a very grave menace to public health. We take this opportunity to warn the general public against using the water in our streams unless it has been boiled.” The report concludes with an appreciation of the fact that the Got ernment is concerned with pollution, and has set up a special committee, with instructions to report, and understands that as the result a Bill has been prepared to bring before Parliament. The work of the societies in Taranaki, in obtaining the discon tinuance of certain polluting practices, is praised.