WOOLSTON'S INDUSTRIES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1340, 30 May 1918, Page 9 (Supplement)

WOOLSTON'S INDUSTRIES.

THE EFFLUENT QUESTION. About two months ago the Christchurch Drainage Board (Mr O. T. .7. Alpers) proceeded against the New T Zealand Glue -Company (Mr A. F. Wright), on charges of making a drain into the Heatheote River without permission, and of causing foul liquor to flow into the river without the consent of the board. After evidence on both sides had been heard the Magistrate (Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M.) adjourned the ease until such time as he had had an opportunity of inspecting the company's works. Yesterday the Magistrate made the inspection, in company with Messrs Wright and Alpers. This morning legal,argument in the case was heard, and the hearing of the case was concluded. /

Mr Alpers pointed out the jurisdiction of the Court in sueh a case, and in reply to a contention of Mr Wrignt, he held that English law made it impossible to acquire a right to do a wrong. A person could not gain a right to create a nuisance. In reply to a point by Mr Wright that the board had acquiesced in allowing the company to drain into the river, Mr Alpers said that there must be evidence that the board knew what sort of liquid was being discharged into the river. Mr Wright said that the ease was important in that it affected- every industry in Woolston. The company was not charged with committing a nuisance, If the board secured a conviction it would mean that the company should have been convicted the day after the Drainage Board Act was passed in 1875. Prior to the passing of the Act the company had a right to drain into the river; and the Act showed that it was not intended to take away that right, or to disturb the existing state of affairs. From 1875 to 1918 the board had virtually consented to the company draining into the river, and the Case .had not been brought until one of Hie managers of the company had a difference with the board's inspector. Decision was reserved.*