POLLUTION OF RIVERS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1934, Page 3

POLLUTION OF RIVERS

TARANAKI DIFFICULTY ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY ACTS. EXTERMINATION OF SHAGS. .

“The society has only one thing to do,” said Mr. W. H. Moyes at a meeting of the Taranaki Acclimatisation Society at New Plymouth last night, when the subject of river pollution was under consideration. Pollution was occurring and the society would have to take action, he said. In response to 40 or 50 circulars despatched to Taranaki dairy factories three replies were received, and those who had replied, it was stated, were obviously not causing pollution. The secretary of the North Taranaki Co-operative Dairy Factory Company wrote that the company had an excellent system of drainage at its Onaero and Waipapa factories. Factory refuse was not discharged into any river in the society’s area. The Tikorangi Co-operative Dairy Company secretary advised that after careful consideration the directors felt certain that in view of the particular circumstances surrounding its drainage system the pollution of the Waitara River was negligible. The refuse was not discharged directly into the. river but ran for about 20 chains over a rock- J bed before reaching 'the river. In comparison with the size of the river the quantity of drainage was trifling, as it was pumped for only about half an hour daily. The outlet was about two miles from the mouth of the river and tidal waters reached within about half a? mile of the spot. Neighbouring farmers had advised the directors they had frequently seen fine healthy trout at the spot where the drainage entered. The factory directors appreciated the society’s action in seeking the friendly co-operation of the dairy 'companies* and gave, their assurance that the society was suffering no loss from the company’s drainage. The drainage from the Leppertpn dairy factory went Into the Waiongona River, but recently improved drainage facilities were effected and there was now no pollution of the river, advised the company’s secretary. The whey was removed by suppliers and there could be no pollution from that direction.

TROUT AS HEN FOOD. ' While discussing the matter of pollution directors drew attention to the poaching that appeared to be prevalent in the vicinity of the ’ factory. It was common knowledge among the directors that poaching was rife. One case was mentioned where over 40 trout were taken in one night and used for fowl food. The company directors urged the society to arrange for a strict watch to be kept with a view to dealing with these offenders.

Mr. Moyes said an effort should be made during the summer to go around the factories and take action where pollution was discovered. Other members agreed. Mr. R. Phillips suggested that in an endeavour to lessen the shag menace the society should advertise a day for all fishermen to patrol the river banks with guns. ' By this means it was hoped ithe shags would be kept on the move and a 'greater number destroyed. He suggested a tally should be kept of the number killed.

Mr. Lowden was appointed to approach Mr. Phillips and advise him that given sufficient notification the society would organise parties.

NO FUNDS FROM ART UNION.' ' The secretary of the Hawera Society advised that the possibility of raising funds by means of participating in an art union was considered by the society, and it had reluctantly reached the conclusion that the likelihood of a group of societies participating in an aft union was now out of the question, as the policy of allocation of proceeds was how clearly defined in that “relief of distress had first claim.”

It was decided to advise the Hawera society that the society was in accordance with the decision reached. Mr. Moyes drew attention to the number and size of the shags on Lake Mangamahoe. Some were so heavy that they had difficulty in leaving the water, he said. He suggested steps should be taken to rid the lake of some of the birds.

It was decided to approach the New Plymouth . Borough Council and seek permission for two members to shoot shags on the lake. The Waimarino Acclimatisation Society wrote in connection with the amalgamation of the smaller societies as. proposed by the Department of Internal Affairs, and suggested that the Taranaki and Waimarino societies should amalgamate. Particulars of the society’s financial position and reasons for the society’s preference for the Taranaki Society were forwarded.

It was decided to send a copy of thb Taranaki Society’s balance-sheet and state that the society could not see that anything could be gained by amalgamation. The Taranaki society was so well provided with streams that the hatchery worked at pressure and had ample outlet for. its fish.

The Hawera Society . had received 100,000 fry and had expressed satisfaction with the condition of the supply, reported Mr. Moyes. Hawera members had expressed pleasure at what'they had seen at the hatchery. Slight trouble with the feeding of the Southland quota had been overcome, and they appeared to Ire progressing. The rainbow trout were, in excellent condition, while the brown trout were not in such good condition, some being very poor. Black teal had been declared absolutely protected, advised the Department of Internal Affairs. • Present at the meeting were Messrs. W. H. Moyes (chairman), A. Little, T. Wilson, A. Feakins and C. D. Lowden.