RIVER POLLUTION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 187, 23 July 1912, Page 5

RIVER POLLUTION.

INDUSTRIES IN DIFFICULTIES. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER Wellington, July 22. The river pollution crisis, as affecting dairy and flaxmilling factories, was brought to a head this morning by a large deputation to the Prime Minister (Mr. \V. F. Massey). Mr. Buick, M.P.. introduced the deputation. Air. Road, acting-president of :he New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association. drew the Premier’s attention to the recent decision of Sir Robert Stout, and the evil effect it would have on industry. The millers asked for legislation A somewhat similar regulation could be applied to flaxmilling as applied to mining, or else legiislation should be passed to enable them to continue milling with the use of rivers under strict Government supervision. There were 23,000 acres of flax in the district which would be almost useless if flaxmilling were to cease. Of No”’ Zealand’s total output of flax th* Mananwatu district provided 85 per cent. The question was a national one, and not in any sense local. Mr. F. J. Nathan stated the case for the dairy factories and read letters from Cheltenham. Ballance, Kaurangn. and other factories. The Premier, in reply, said he w ctild consult the Attorney-General and see if it is possible to do justice both to owners cf river bank property and the millers. The deputation could rely on Government doing its duty.