SULPHURIC ACID.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12067, 24 July 1917, Page 4

SULPHURIC ACID.

NEW INDUSTRY IN WOOLSTON

PERMIT GRANTED BY COUNCIL. At last night's meeting of the Woolston Borough Council the By-laws Cornmitteo reported that it had considered the application for a permit by the Woolston Tanneries Company to build a sulphuric acid factory in Scott Street. As the. sulphuric acid was an offensive trade, the committee, referred the application to the council and had requested the clerk to communicate with the District Health Office on the subject. Dr Chesson. who was present on hehalf of the Health Department. said that the objectionable parts about chemical works was the discharge of gases. Tf the gas could be got away there would be no harm done. Ho had been informed that, there would be no drainage from the works and therefore the river and creeks would not suffer. But before permission wan granted, it would be wise to make two stipulations:—(l) That no discharge from works he allowed to go into the river; (2) that no more than 1.0 grains of acid should be allowed to escape from one cubic foot of "gas and that the council or the Department could at any time reserve its rights to make the company have better arrangements made.

If these suggestions were acted upon, continued Dr Chesson, then the Heatheoto River would not suffer. He was not prepared to say whether the houses round about would suffer. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Dr Chesson for his advice.

A representative of the company also addressed the council. Councillor T. Hobson moved that the council should grant the permit subject to conditions made by the By-laws Committee. Councillor J. Roberts moved an amendment, that the council should deal with tho application.

The amendment was carried. Councillor M'Rae moved that permission should be granted.

Councillor L. Hart seconded the motion.

Councillor Roberts moved, as an amendment, that permission should bo granted, subject to the company erecting a chimney stack of 60ft high. The amendment was carried.

After further discussion, it was decided that the permit should be granted subject to the conditions outlined by Dr Chesson, and the erection of a chimney stack 60ft high in addition to the tower, to carry away escaping gases: or fumes, the council to have the right to cancel the permit in the event of the conditions* not being given effect to.