REFUSE FROM AORANGI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19148, 14 October 1925, Page 14

REFUSE FROM AORANGI.

PROSECUTION PROPOSED, POLLUTION OF THE HARBOUR. NEW DISPOSAL SYSTEM URGED. A proposal that proceedings should bo taken against the master of the Aorangi for allowing the crew to discharge refuse into the harbour was received by the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday from the medical officer of health. The medical officer stated that all sorts of food refuse had been dumped into the harbour between the vessel and Queen's Wharf, despite the prohibition against such a practice. The result was that the matter was deposited on the stringers of the wharf and was tarried by the tide across to the Quay Street launch landings. Such pollution, in the interests of public health, could not be permitted. He mentioned that the refuse collectors reported they did not get as much refuse from the Aorartgi as from a smaller ship, such as the Tofua. The traffic manager, Mr. W. R. Golden, stated that more trouble in this respect was experienced from the Aorangi and the Niagara than from any other vessels that visited the port. Both the vessels had chutes built into their sides, and it was difficult to tell when thev were being used. The collectors seemed to have trouble with the crews in getting the refuse when they called, as the cooks and stewards appeared to expect to be paid to deliver to the collector. The board decided to leave the matter in the hands of its solicitors for attention. A further letter from the medical officer of health suggested that the board should adopt the barge system for collection and disposal of refuse, similar to. that provided for the vessels of the United States Fleet. The matter was referred to the board in committee for consideration.