TARUHERU RIVER.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLL, Issue 13305, 14 February 1914, Page 4

TARUHERU RIVER.

MAYOR'S INTERVIEW WITH MR

NELSON

The Mayor, Mr J. R. Kirk,, who left with Mr Hodge, local manager for Messrs J. J. Niven and' Co., to intervieAV Mr Wm. Nelson, head of the firm of Messrs 'Nfclsdir'Br'ds:, returned- by the Victoria this morning. Mr Kirk said that the justification for his visit was the immediate result, viz., that Mr Nelson" liad given instructions for the erection of a pumping plant, whirh would have the effect of keeping all the refuse out of ( the, river for treating on his own 1 land. This i was '"a great advance on present conditions,' and' wouldassure a sweeter state of affairs for, the fdture. "Remember/ said "Mr Kirk, "I neither make any charge against Messrs Nelson Bros., nor ask" any admission from them. Mr Nelson has, I believe, at all times m the' past slioWn his readiness to assist the 'civic and health authorities of this town m any way deemed necessary, and the ready and instant response which he has made on this occasion is most pleasihgV It was thought, when I made .up my mind to personally .visit Mr Nelson, that nothing could be done until the present killing season Was over, but it will be satisfactory to 'the burgesses and residterits generally to know that the actual plant required is now under order and being assembled. Mr, Nelson was very interested in 'all that was being done m Gisborhe, and expressed the opinion, which I understand he '• once strongly •recommended ""to the Gisborne authorities, that the river should be dredged, and the mud flats reclaimed^ and turned into beautiful b-a.riks'i with a view to securing the best of conditions m the river. That, the late stench was an abominable one is admitted, • butt if through it the public conscience is aroused to the urgent necessity which exists for river improveriient, it will have done much good. Personally I shall be prepared to do all' l can towards the attainment of this ehd', and I have addressed a, letter to the chairman of the Harbor Board on the matter. It may be said that the existing conditions are not necessarily absolutely unsafe, but I feel sure that they are a potent factor m lessening the ordinary vitality, and I do hope and trust that the public will come to the assistance of its public men m urging the commencement 'of what to me appears such a necessary and desirable' work. - Now that Messrs Nelson Bros', are taking steps to allay public concern, the health authorities will see that no ' 6tVe ? else' dis'c&ir'ges offensive matter 'into tlVe- 1 rivVr7 v It canjibt' be gainsaid that the 1 deposits of years are still in 1 the river) but w y e are determined to prevent any further pollution, arid if tile "scheme of reclamation which I have outlined can be carried into effect, we shall have, instead of as at present — an open sewer ip the' town— a clear, deep channel with beautiful banks on either side. "Let the say/c oncluded the Mayor, "libw greatly I appreciate the ready and willing response of Mr Nelson."