Professor’s Reply

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29128, 13 February 1960, Page 14

Professor’s Reply

“I did not rush into print,” said Professor L. W. McCaskill last night when replying to the statement by the Minister of Works (Mr Watt) that he had spoken irresponsibly at a public meeting in Christchurch on Thursday evening. “I made a statement at the meeting when I said I was trying to be a realist in the matter. If it was economically necessary and desirable to harness Lake Manapouri then I would say ‘Yes, I agree,’ but I would want some definite attempt to be made to preserve the scenery.” Professor McCaskill said he had then replied to criticism of the National Parks Authority and of himself as a member, and of the Fiordland National Park Board for not opposing the agreement. “I said that because of their nature and importance the negotiations had to take place in secrecy. I had been informed, on what I believed to be excellent authority, that even Messrs Webb and Davenport had not been appraised of the final details until shortly before the agreement was signed. If that were so, then the National Parks Authority could not expect to be consulted.” said Professor McCaskill. “I regret to say that my information was incorrect.” Professor McCaskill said that he recognised that no matter what was in the National Parks Act, the Government had to have final say, and that where it had acted illegally as far as the act was concerned this would be validated at the next session of Parliament.