BEACHES MENACED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 13, 16 January 1929, Page 9

BEACHES MENACED.

MAGISTRATE'S WARNING. LOSS OF SAND AND SHELL. ILLEGALLY TAKEN BY CARRIERS. LOCAL BODIES CONCERNED.

Warning of the serious consequences of the gradual destruction of Auckland beaches by the removal of sand was voiced by Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court this morning.

"If this class of offence continues those who are the cause of the damage must be heavily penalised," said Mr. Cutten. "The beaches close to Auckland are a constant source of worry to the local authorities who have charge of them. By the carting of sand and shell away from them they are being left the poorer, and their immense value to the citizens is being permanently impaired."

That the seriousness of the position had not been appreciated by the public was the statement of the magistrate.

Difficulty is being experienced in detecting the offence, and residents at the various resorts, although very indignant, are reluctant to appear in the Courts and give evidence against offenders. Principally concerned are the Waitemata County Council and the Marine Department, which are responsible for the condition of beaches in the Gulf.

Charges of removing sand and shell from Huntly Road, Campbell's Bay, were brought this morning by the Waitemata Council against L. Jones, a carrier, and charges of aiding and assisting were made against W. and H. Simile, carriers and contractors, of Takapuna, by whom Jones was employed. The date of the offence was October 4. Ravages at Campbell's Bay. In four years, said Mr. A. Murray, engineer to the Waitemata Council, chief witness in the case, it had been noticeable that the beach at Campbell's Bay had been denuded of sand and shell, with the result that rocks not visible twelve months ago were now quite bare. The evidences on the beach of motor lorries having been down there had attracted his attention, and investigations showed that a large hole had been scooped out and a considerable quantity of sand and shell removed from the county council property.

Evidence of the seriousness of the menace was also given by a representative of the Marine Department, who said numerous beaches were being affected in a similar manner.

The owner of a seaside cottage at Campbell's Bay stated she had seen a lorry driven by L. Jones on the beach. It was loaded with shell and sand taken from the county property.

A boy of 15 was also called as a witness. He stated he had eeen numerous lorries go down to the beach and take sand from the same property. On one occasion he saw four lorries there at the same time.

"Mistake Made by Driver." Harry Smale, in the witness-box, said that, on the occasion which was the subject of the charge, a mistake had been made by the driver. Instructions had been given that the sand and shell should be taken from defendant's own property on the otner side of the tidal creek, which divided it from the council's property. Defendant denied that other lorries owned by his firm had taken sand and shell from the council's reserve previously during the past twelve months.

"My desire is to obtain a conviction against the defendants," said Mr. Haig, counsel for the local body, "in order that this clasi of offence might be checked."

The magistrate said a conviction was necessary, as there was no doubt the menace was a serious one.

W. and H. Smale were fined £5, with costs amounting to £3 11/, and L. Jonos £1, and costs of £1 11/.