Manapouri

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32210, 31 January 1970, Page 10

Manapouri

Sir,—Before calling another man’s argument “poor” you might well consider the force of your own. You say “The fact is that no-one seems to know how much or how little damage will be done if the level is raised.” Of course no-one knows exactly. The conservationists are nevertheless fully justified is their posture which you seem' to think is exaggerated. Their claiins and apprehensions are supported by a massive wealth of indisputable, world-wide experience. If we raise the level, we know what to expect. We have been adequately warned. Your argument therefore is pointless. You claim also that it is not obvious the nation is against raising the level. Again, what kind of evidence do yon want? Surely when so many straws are moving in one direction it is obvious enough which way the wind is blowing.—Yours, etc., J. R. ROLSTON, Upper Waitohi. January 29,1970.

Sir, —1 read with interest your sound advice to conservationists in today’s editorial; namely not to discredit their cause by making "... misleading statements, . . . guesses that cannot be substantiated, or exaggerate(d) ... arguments.” In Monday’s editorial I found a classic example which I would quote to add strength to your warning: "Without the Manapouri scheme the South Island would be a step nearer to having thermal power stations near its cities.” This is surely a guess which cannot be substantiated and it is also a red herring, as we are discussing only the additional capacity to be gained by raising the lake by 35 feet This is surely not sufficient to postpone the evil day you predict —Yours, etc., PHILIP WOOLLASTON, January 30, 1970.

. Sir,—There seems to be much emotion displayed on the level of Lake Manapouri. Who would say that the lakes at Benmore and Aviemore and on the Waikato have not improved nature? I think the arguments brought out for retaining the existing level at Lake Manapouri are groundless. Beaches will soon be formed again, and the submerged forest will soon rot away, as it has done at Lake Eucumbene in Australia when its level was raised. This lake has become a sportsman’s paradise with the increased number of fish it stocks, and everyone knows that more water brings more life. On the other hand no-one seems certain how much of the Lake Manapouri scheme has been given away to monopoly capital.—Yours, etc., P.J.A. January 30, 1970.