SLUDGE CHANNEL ACT

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XLIX, Issue 9593, 26 August 1949, Page 2

SLUDGE CHANNEL ACT

USE OF RIVERS FOR MINE TAILINGS DISCUSSION AT THAMES Support from the Thanles *Bothough Council is to be given to the Hauraki Catchment Board in its endeavour to have revoked the proclamation declaring the Waihou and Oliinemuri Rivei-s sludge channels. “We know that the whole district has been put to considerable expense because of these sludge channels,” said Mr S. Ensor, Mayor, at last week’s meeting of the council, pointing out that the rising of " the river bed had necessitated the construction of costly stopbanks which even now were not completed. “Now it has been stated that the Wailii mine is closing down, it is probably an opportune time to move in the matter.” Cr. T. E. Miller asked what would happen if, in the future, mining operations werg resumed. “Would they have to seek legislation again?” Mr Ensor replied that instead o£dumping their tailings into the rivers they would have to make arlangements for paddocking them. Cr. H. F. Purnell moved that the council support the Catchment Board. Cr. A. J. Dickson seconded this.

“I would like some more information,” said Cr. P. O. Downes. “What does it actually mean?” he asked. “At the present time the mining companies have the right to dump tailings in the river, but now that miuing has practically ceased the board wants the proclamation revoked. Legislation could be introduced again if necessary,” explained Cr. Purnell, “It is not in the best interests of the country to have hundreds of tnousands of acres of farmland ruined by the operations of the mines when they the other expedient cf paddocking,” added the Mayor. “How could the Waihi Gold Mining Company ever paddock all the tailings from there?” asked Cr. Downes.

“I think they could,” replied Mr Ensor. *

When the motion was put to the meeting it was carried.