RUBBISH DUMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 143, 5 April 1940, Page 5

RUBBISH DUMP

STATEMENT BY HARBOUR * CHAIRMAN ! -1V: _ REPLY TO RECENT LETTER The letter which appeared in last Friday's BEACON, signed by "Wellington Visitor," and which concerned the possibilities of a plague of rats because of an improper rubbish dump, was the subject of a statement on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Whakatane Harbour Board, Mr J. W. Sumner. Mr Sumner said that the letter, which alleged liegletit; Yva§ a reflection tm tile Harhdtir Board. Poisoning of rats hitd been carried out at the wharf for tlitf last 12 months and the Board was not in a posilioil to do more. About 12 months ago an arrangement had been made with the Whaltatane Borough Council whereby the Council exercised direct control over the collection and destroying of rubbish along the area of the Borough boundaries. Therefore, except for that stretch from the wharf to the Heads, the Borough Council was the controlling authority as regards rubbish. Mr Sumner said that some reference had been made to the Health Authorities. In his opinion, if it were likely that serious consequences would develop from the present system of rubbish disposal,, the Health Inspector would take the necessary steps to rectify the position. Mr Sumner concluded by saying that the Harbour Board remained the responsible body qus far as dead stock on the river banks was concerned, and their area in this respect extended from the bridge to the Heads.

"Wellington Visitor," in a note dated 2-4-10, forwarded a newspaper clipping dealing with a plague of rats in Australia. Although interesting to those making a life study of rats and their cute little the story is not likely to he Fcpcatccl in V/lialcatane and the clipping, therefore* is not published