RIVER POLLUTION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 693, 30 July 1875, Page 3

RIVER POLLUTION.

The following is a copy of a memorial (referred to by our N.asody correspondent) circulated throughout the Province by the Central Mining Association for signature, in the matter of River Pollution : - To the Honoiable the H..use of Representsfives. The Petition of the undersigned Goldminers, and others interested in the Gold Mines of tho Province of Otago. Humbly- sheweth— I That, during last session of your Hon oraMe House, a petition from present petitioners was presented, praying that tho General Government would take up tho defence in tho suit Borton and M‘Master v. Howe and others, now pending in tho Supreme Court of this Province, as the issue thereof materially affected the interests of your Petitioners as a whole. 2. That y-our Honorable House having been pleased to grant the prayer of tho said Petition, and the case having been argued by able counsel on both sides in the Court of Appeal, a decision has been given by that Court w-hich proves that your Petitioners aro mining in a manner not legalised by the Statute Law of New Zealand. 3. That it is impossible goldmining can be carried on without the pollution of rivers and streams ; that goldmining lias been a powerful instrument in the general advancement of tho Colony ; that much depends upon, and may be achieved through, its extension and development; that scientific research aud practical experience are alike proving the older and heavier drifts—once considered tho bottom, on which the payable drift rested —are richly auriferous ; and that, by tho employment of capital and skill, an enormous development might he accomplished. 4. That a further investment of capital cannot be expected owing to the knowledge of insecurity which the decision in Borton aud M‘Master v. Howe and others occasioned, showing, ns it has done, that most of your Petitioners aro liable, at any time, in the existing state of the law, to have vexatious actions brought against them ; And when it has been so forcibly brought before them in tho case alluded to that their industry has sprung up so entirely without being in this matter—provided for by the Legislature—that even between miner and minor there is no provision made for pollution of water or discharge of tailings ; and those who have invested thousands of

pounds are sometimes at the mercy of one who has simply invested in a minor’s right. Wherefore, your Petitioners humbly pray tliafcj*in view of the great necessity which exists, your Honorable House will be pleased to legislate for their industry in such a manner as its importance to them, to this Province, and to the Colony, demands. And your- Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.