Battle To Save Sinking City Of Venice

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31235, 6 December 1966, Page 22

Battle To Save Sinking City Of Venice

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter) VENICE. The 470 gondoliers of Venice, where waterways are the highways, have joined in the battle to save their sinking city from disappearing into the lagoon on which it is built.

Recently they sent a delegation to Rome to draw public attention to the plight of the proud metropolis once known as Europe’s richest trading emporium with the East.

Many of the 364,000 inhabitants face the prospect of seeing their front doors awash in 50 years’ time if the present rate of subsidence—about an inch a year—is not checked. The gondoliers admit that their motive is self-interest for if Venice disappears, their six-centuries-old profession, handed down from father to son, will disappear too. Their five-man delegation set off for Rome in their best dark lounge suits. Tradition has it that if they travel on the mainland in their colourful striped jerseys, it will rain—and they did not want to upset the Romans. “Venice is dying,” said Giacomo Camera, a member of the delegation. “We are the staunchest defenders of the city.” “Made By Man” A companion, Giovanni Olandini, said “Venice is not Naples, whose beautiful setting comes from nature. Venice is a miracle of man. It was made by man, and it must be saved by man.” Since its foundation in 421 A.D. by refugees from the barbarian invaders from the north, Venice’s houses have been built on wooden piles driven into the mud bank? of the lagoon. Most of their fellow-towns-men, the delegation said, were only interested in living their daily lives quite oblivious of the danger to Venice. Various reasons have been

advanced as to why Venice is sinking, and the problem is being studied by the Italian Government and international bodies. Blame has been ascribed to movements of the earth’s crust, underground erosion, the drying-up of subterranean water veins on the mainland due to the digging of artesian wells, and the melting of Polar ice resulting in a higher level of the sea. Traffic Jams

“For us,” said Mr Camera, “the main reason is the motor-boat traffic.” Venice, while other towns have traffic jams, is still a place where the traveller can move at speed in a motor launch, gaily ignoring the 5 m.p.h. limit “Nobody respects it” Mr Camera said. “There are over 6000 motorboats of all sizes in Venice, and their wakes are causing enormous damage. “The great number of motor craft is provoking the ruin of our beautiful city. It will be fatal if the authorities do not discipline traffic.” Private Launches Mr Olandini said the authorities at least could ban the Grand Canal to private motor-launches. It was the wash of these faster-moving craft which did the damage. Private motor launches could still reach St. Mark’s Square by going round the outside of the city centre, past the Giudecca. The gondoliers complain that a gondola’s life is much shorter as a result of increased buffeting in choppy waters and rubbing against the moorings of other craft. Instead of lasting for 20 or 30 years, the gondoliers say they have to get a new gondola every 10 years. As long as Venice lasts,

they think their profession will keep going. There should always be s enough tourists wanting a ride in their sleek black craft, even though the winter months are lean.

The number of gondolas has been constant at around 470 for the last 30 years, and they say there is no lack of new gondoliers. In the 16th century there are reported to have been as many as 10,000 gondolas. It was down to 900 about 60 years ago, and 600 in 1925. But they complain that life is becoming harder. The cost of living increases continually. Organised in one of two cooperatives, the gondolier, who owns his craft, will admit to earning about between £1725 to £2300 a year. Out of this, he has to pay taxes, dues, maintenance, and about £575 whenever he needs a new gondola.