The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 17, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 942, 17 January 1911, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 17, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Recently, in response to a request by the Marine Departmexxt, following a complaint by the Foxton Harbour Board, Sub-Inspector O’Donovan visited fourteen mills in the vicinity of Shannon and Oroua Bridge and at Mahi, to ascertain what steps were being taken to comply with the law prohibiting the discharge of refuse into the rivers. In only one case did he find that proper precautions had been taken to prevent the refuse from getting into the river. Accumulations of fibrous strippings and green refuse, in various parts of the river, had the effect of diverting the current when the water was normal ; in flood times the deposits were swept down, causing further injury, and collecting at the mouth of the river, there to form the foundation of sandbanks. At Foxtou, suitable appliances were in operation lor catching and retaining the vegetation discharged from the mill. The millers expressed their readiness to meet the wishes of the Department in the matter, and it is to be presumed that at that point the question was settled. The Department, however, is evidently thoroughgoing in its methods, for instructions have been given to the Sub-Inspector to pay another visit to the mills to see if the requirements have been carried out ; in case of failure to comply with the regulations, action will be taken.