CONDITION OF DITCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 14 April 1945, Page 4

CONDITION OF DITCH

RESPONSIBILITY OF CITY OR COUNTY? SEEPAGE FROM IWA ROAD PROPERTIES The condition of the ditch in Milton street north was referred to by the Nelson City Council in a letter received by the Waimea County Council at its meeting yesterday. The letter said that it appeared from the City Sanitary, Inspectqr’s report that thg state of the ditch constituted a serious nuisance and was due to the seepage of septic tank effluent from properties in Iwa rood, which were outside the city boundary. The subject was reported on by the Health Inspector, Mr H. Coltmai), as follows: "I have not proceeded much further with the nuisance complained of by the Nelson City Couhcil, caused by seepage on the main highway. Milton street north, from the properties situated in Iwa road, as I intend to go more fully into this matter with the Medical Officer of Health who intends to visit the Nejson district next week. "Personally I hardly think the City Council is adopting the correct altitude in asking the County Council to abate a nuisance which, in my opinion, they are partly responsible for. Prior to the water reticulation being extended past the city boundary to the properties in the county, the septic tanks appeared to be functioning in a satisfactory manner. But to-day the circumstances are altogether different, due to the fact that the householders in this area have an unlimited supply of water, instead of being restricted to catchment water and rain water tanks. This arrangement is quite satisfactory from the City Council’s point of view as they are able to collect approximately £135 per annum in water rates. Therefore if the amount of water used is excessive the Waimea County Council cannot accept the responsibility for a nuisance. “The alternative course would be to prohibit an unlimited supply. However I wopld like this matter to remain in abeyance for the time being as the circumstances may be helpful in persuading the residents in this locality to view this matter in a favourable light, particularly those on the lower levels.”

It was resolved that the Medical Officer of Health be asked to submit a special report on the subject.