THE letters in Thursday and Saturday's paper on the water quality of Southland rivers are interesting. I recently had a look at the condition of the Mataura River. It is the most polluted river in New Zealand, with our other rivers nothing to write home about.

By HOLLAND, Natasha A COMPANY is searching for gold in eastern Southland after being granted a sizeable prospecting permit. Black Sand Resources Ltd was granted the two-year permit on June 26.

By MORGAN, Jared AGE proved no barrier to environmental conscience when a 90-year- old Wyndham farmer took on Environment Southland in a personal bid to protect the Mataura River yesterday.

By MORGAN, Jared AN E-COLI alert has prompted Environment Southland to tell people to stay out the water in three Southland rivers.

AN article on January 26 stated that the Waikia and Mataura Rivers have such levels of E coli that people have been advised not to swim and fisherman and boat users advised to use caution. Both these rivers see people from around the world frequenting them for the fishing.