SOOT NUISANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 12

SOOT NUISANCE

DISPOSAL OF WASTE MAEROA RESIDENTS COMPLAIN DAIRY COMPANY’S EFFORTS The soot nuisance caused by the burning of large quantities of wood shavings and sawdust at the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited’s Frankton factory was discussed at a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council last night when the assistant-manager of the company, Mr H. W. Davey, waited on the council and explained the difficulties that had been encountered in the efforts to reach a solution to the problem. The presence of the soot and cinders from the factories chimney had been the subject of complaints at former meetings of the council, several residents of Maeroa stating that clothes hung on the lines had been damaged and other difficulties caused. The problem had given the company a considerable amount of trouble for as far back as 1927, said Mr Davey, when explaining that constant efforts had been made to find a way of disposing of the waste sawdust and wood shavings. Practically world-wide inquiries had been made, but so far no satisfactory solution to the trouble had been reached. 1,000,000 Feet Of Timber “We use about 1,000,000 feet of timber every year, and thus it will be appreciated that the waste from it presents a big problem,” said Mr Davey. “We have not been able to find a practical means of disposing of the waste except by burning, but we propose in the meantime to cart some of the shavings and sawdust away. We will probably have to_take away from 1000 tons to 1500 tons per annum and that will present the difficulty of finding suitable places on which to dump it. Any difficulty we create in the neighbourhood also means a difficulty in our own factory, so it is in our own interests to find a solution. We produce foodstuffs and we cannot afford to have soot and cinders pervading our own premises. I do not wish the council to think that we have disregarded the protests that have been made from time to time, for we have no wish to create a nuisance. We are doing everything in our power and are making all possible inquiries to find a solution.” In reply to questions, Mr Davey stated that the company had incurred a considerable cost in trying to abolish the nuisance, and in each of two instances £IOOO had been spent on equipment. The company had more shavings and sawdust than was required for the production of steam. Use On Sports Ground Several members congratulated Mr Davey on the frank and comprehensive manner in which he presented the matter before the council. “There might be a possibility of using some of the sawdust on the sports grounds that require banking to increase accommodation,” said Mr J. W. Lewis, the chief inspector, when asked to comment. He stated that he recently inspected several areas on which sawdust had been dumped and he was surprised at the growth that had resulted with only a small covering of soil above it. It was useless dumping it in open gullies owing to the risks of fire. At this stage Mr Davey retired and the matter was discussed by the council. “Mr Davey has put the matter very clearly and fairly before the council but our trouble is how it concerns the ratepayers,” said Mr W. R. Shattock. “The matter resolves itself into one of £ s d, and the ratepayers are just as much concerned over their financial losses as the company is over its costs to abate the nuisance. This has been going on for twelve years and so far no solution has been discovered. I will move that the company be served with notice to cease the nuisance forthwith.” Industrial Areas Remarking that it would be better if the matter went before the works committee, Mr J. E. Tidd stated that nothing would be gained by giving a peremptory notice to the company when the matter could be discussed in a conciliatory manner. “I am not prepared to go as far as Mr Shattock has done when he says that the matter be stopped forthwith, although I agree that something must be done,” said Mr Reynolds, in moving an amendment that the matter be referred to the works committee. “There is nothing much the works committee will be able to do about it,” said Mr W. W. Diiiicar. “The company knows now that the council means to have the nuisance abolished. After all, Frankton is recognised as an industrial area and factory owners should not be unduly harassed. Industries are necessary, and no town can hope to prosper without its industrial areas. People built in that vicinity and went on building, knowing that the dairy factory was there; and I do not think that we should be be hard on the dairy company, which is doing its best. I think it would be just as well to defer the matter for a while, and see what the company can do about it.” After further discussion the amendment was carried, Mr Shattock dissenting. The Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, stated that if the works committee could not get satisfaction it would report back to the council, but, otherwise, it would have power to act.