Page:On the Pollution of the Rivers of the Kingdom.djvu/14

8 In 1860, among other recommendations, a Committee of the House of Lords recommended (page 12)—

"That penalties to be recovered by summary process be imposed for allowing any refuse matters from any mill or manufactory to go into any river; and

"That a bill be introduced by Her Majesty's Government in conformity with the above recommendations."

In 1861 the Commissioners on Salmon Fisheries reported (pages 19—21) that—

"The most striking case of contamination of waters by the efflux from mines was in the Ystwith and Rheidol at Aberystwith."

These two streams both contained salmon in some abundance thirty years ago. Since the working of the Goginan lead mines, a total extinction of animal life has taken place in the Rheidol. The Ystwith has been similarly affected by other lead works." "The most distinct evidence was given us of the destruction of salmon from this cause. It was even stated that the sea-fishery to the extent of some miles out had been much deteriorated from the same cause."

"No other case of destruction so complete was brought under our notice; but there were others of the noxious effect of mine waters, in more or less degree, which, if continued, must ultimately prove fatal to the fish. Among these we may mention the Tawe, Neath, Rhymney, Towey, Taff, the South Tyne, &c."

"In Cornwall the salmon fisheries may be said to be virtually destroyed by the mines."

And in the same year (1861) the Commissioners on the sewage of towns in a further report, pages 4 to 9, give a frightful picture, (drawn from their own personal inspection) of the pollution of the rivers Irwell, Irk, Roch, Croal, Tonye, Tame, Mersey, Bollin, and Medlock, saying