REMOVAL OF SPOIL FROM MOUNT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 14299, 24 February 1947, Page 3

REMOVAL OF SPOIL FROM MOUNT

CRITICISM BY A CORRESPONDENT

"Not Being Taken Indiscriminately"

General Development Of Slopes

Inquiries made at the office of the Mount Maunganui Borough Council concerning a letter from a correspondent who. writes regarding the removal of spoil from Mount Maunganui and erosion possibilities, revealed that the council was well aware of the question of erosion, and that the spoil was being taken under council supervision.

The correspondent, who signs himself "Hands Off Mount Maunganui," writes that "some days ago I saw two lorries on Mount Maunganui and, on making inquiries, was told the Domain Board had a quarry on the side of the Mount and spoil was being carted to fill in a section in the borough. ' I wonder if the board ever heard of erosion or don't they care? To my mind this is pure vandalism and should be stopped before mere damage is done," concludes the correspondent. The Town Clerk of the Mounl Maunganui council (Mr G. E. Huttpn) when this question was referred to him, said he was not aware as to what the correspondent was actually referring. However, he declared, spoil was not being taken indiscriminately, the gate to the area was locked, and filling could only be obtained from that area after a permit had been procured at the council office.

It was also explained that spoil would not be'taken unless there was a good reason, or improvements were being carried out to the Mount area itself such as to the roadiug scheme on the slopes or a general improvement to camping or other areas. For instance, a road had been built to the reservoir for the transport of equipment to the site, and this had been widened and improved. There was also the question of a road round the lower portion of the Mount, and when spoil was taken, this proposal was also kept in mind.