LAKE MANAPOURI ISSUE ‘Public Interest A Manifestation9

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32384, 25 August 1970, Page 18

LAKE MANAPOURI ISSUE ‘Public Interest A Manifestation 9

The Lake Manapouri controversy had shown than an enlightened and balanced conservation policy must bridge the communications gap which had been opened by the issue, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) said in Christchurch last evening.

Such a move was necessary so that in the case of Lake Manapouri, and in similar cases, the facts could be established and judgments made, Mr Marshall said when he opened the sixth triennial conference of the Geographical Society, which is being attended by more than 280 delegates, not only from New Zealand but from Australia, Canada, Fiji and Malaysia.

“It is regrettable," he said, “that the Manapouri controversy has reached the stage where more heat is being generated than light “But at least it has focused public attention on the conflict between development and conservation.” And the Government has the unenviable task of resolving that conflict “Public agitation over the Manapouri issue is an interesting manifestation of the

increasing interest in our conservation and pollution problems. “As with all upsurges of popular feeling, there are some who go to extremes—idealists who cannot recognise practical limitations, frightened people who exaggerate their fears, and ill-informed people who par

ade their ignorance," Mr Mar shall said.

“But public interest is essential if a country is to succeed in preserving the environment

“Geographers, therefore, have a special responsibility to bring expert knowledge and balanced judgment to lead public opinion.”