ESTUARY MOVE RETROGRADE’

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 16

ESTUARY MOVE RETROGRADE’

New Zealand Press Association

WELLINGTON, .March 28

Tie decision by the Christchurch City Council to press ahead with measures giving it power to set aside Estuary speed restrictions is “a retrograde step that goes against the wishes of very many people who have the real, long-term interests of the Estuary at heart.”

; This was the reaction • * today of the member of Par- ■ liament for Lyttelton (Mr T. IM. McGuigan) to a letter (from the council. j The letter confirmed that i the council had adopted i recommendations to amend * city by-law No. 50 by the (addition of two clauses, UA ‘and 48A. “Clause 11 A, setting a speed limit of 10 miles perl hour on Estuary waters, is a! reasonable one and has vyide public support,” said Mr McGuigan. “The ‘let out’ clause, 48A, however, gives the council the power to set .aside the speed limit when-

• ever, and for as long as, itj sees fit. “This virtually nullifies the efforts of those who seek to preserve the Estuary as a place of peaceful recreation — yachtsmen, fishermen, swimmers, people who like to potter about in boats or simply enjoy a ■ little' tranquillity,” Mr •McGuigan said. I “There are many such I people and these are the ones with real concern for the Estuary’s future. I am concerned and disappointed that the City Council has ( apparently disregarded their views,” he said.