SEPTIC TANK CAUSES LITIGATION

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 58, 2 December 1926, Page 7

SEPTIC TANK CAUSES LITIGATION

ALLEGED CAUSE OF NAUSEATING ODOURS. ’ Dominion Special. Auckland, November 30. The Northcote Borough Council’s septic tanks, which were completed only in August, 1925, have ■ already formed the subject of litigation, and a- Compensation Court to-day heard claims bv eight ratepayers for a total of £5392’ compensation for depreciation of property, allegedly caused by offensive odours . from the tanks. One witness said that she and her husband did not as a rule entertain on account of the odours. Another witness, a boatbuilder' said that when he was negotiating with a lady regarding the sale of a boat be wqs much embarrassed through a bad odour being wafted in bv a breeze Mr. Johnstone (solicitor for claimants) : Did it affect vour negotiations ? Witness: Well, I did not make a sale. His Honour: Was that due to the odour or the price? (Laughter)— ; ‘‘lt was a bit of both, I think. Dr Chesson also called one day and a smell was again noticed. It nauseated both Dr. Chesson and witness. His Honour: Did Dr Chesson actually become ill ? Witness: He was so near it that it did not matter. (Laughter.) Another witness said he had a house in Surphtir Bav with the name ‘‘Why Worry.” Mr. Meredith (for the Borough Council) : That is a good name, isn’t it? Witness: I suppose so. Mr. Johnstone: I suppose you did not worrv until the smell appeared ? Witness: No, I did not. Another witness said he had been unable to net anv satisfaction from the Borough Council. , “Dr. Chesson told me to give them because be could do nothing with them, either,” said witness amid laughter. .