THE POLLUTION OF THE UTUHINA.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 179, 6 May 1896, Page 2

THE POLLUTION OF THE UTUHINA.

TO THE FDITOIt' Sir,—The threatened pollution of the XJtuhina River by emptying t.h» sewerage of two great hotels on to In tl in i s close proximity from whence it must filter and drain into the only cold and p«-llu<» i Ntream with which the inhabitants of Rotorua are so blessed, seems such a monstrous proposal as to render the ugly rumor incrediblo. But however incredible to ordinary mortals such a foul proposal may be, it appears from what is said to have occurred at. the latest meeting of our 44 extraordinary " Town Board held on Monday, that, at all even's, by the chairman and a majority of the members the proposal is not only viewed whh equanimity, but actually surprise is expressei that any objections should be raised at all or by anyone. Mr Rrid, one of our oldest and most respeded settlers, residing as he is between the Utuhiim slream aud the land leased by the Board (in full cognisance of the purpose for which the lessee intended it) is the most immediate sufferer and bis protestations have, it is said, been ignored with something akin to contempt. But I ain much mistaken if the matter will he allowed to end here. In any case, the large sectijn of the inhabitants living on the banks of the UYuhina or its vicinity should certainly take stops to counteract, if possible, this unwarrantable action of the Boaid who have a heavy responsibility in this matter. >*nd although the two hotel pioprietors are entitled to considerable sympathy in having no natural or artific.al outlet for their sewage, surely a better remedy might be piovided than one involving- such serious risk to the lives and health of the people of Rotorua. Although some of the members of the Board declare that nothing can be done until the nuisance actually exi.-ts I would say that <4 prevention is better 1 hin cure" and instead of polluting or risking the pol ution of one of the finest streams in the Rotorua distric', such as the Utuhina at the point mentioned undoubtedly is, the sewage of ail the hotels might be conveyed with perfect impunity to the vicinity of the su'phur impregnated Puarenga, If that coursj were adopted the questiou ot hotel sewerage would be settled for some considerable time as far as Rotorua is concernel. Lit the Bo.rd carefully ponder over this su«rire>tion before finally adopting the TJtubirm ruiuation scheme.—Vkrbum sap —I am, & Thermal.