Lake Manapouri

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29108, 21 January 1960, Page 3

Lake Manapouri

Sir,—l have listened with interest to the discussion on the pros and cons in connexion with the proposed aluminium project in Southland. This letter is written to express concern that the Government would contemplate destroying so much of this country’s lovely natural resources in pursuance of an industry, the profits from which will go out-

side this country. At the present rate of nuclear development it is surely within the realm of possibility that, in 50 to 100 years nuclear power will be in general use. Surely no right-thinking New Zealander would consider ruining so much of its scenic beauty forever. The increase in overseas visitors to Fiordland is an indication of the value of the unique beauty of this area. The present generation deplores the short-sighted policy of an earlier generation in forest destruction. Can there be any guarantee that the proposed destruction of forest at Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau would not add still further to the difficulties we are endeavouring now to combat in erosion?—Yours, etc., MARJORY M. LILL. January 19, 1960.