Christchurch sandhills

Press, 13 August 1980, Page 16

Christchurch sandhills

Sir, — Garry Arthur’s article (August 2) on ancient totara forests and more recent sandhills around church was of great interest, as will be the published results of the Geological Survey. Regarding the Linwood sand ridge, I recall that when the Bank of New Zealand building was being erected, and before it was enclosed one could see clean through the top floor from about England Street when driving west along Hereford Street so the ridge at that point must be about 100 ft in height. The Aranui ridge at Shortland Street must be of similar height. All this sand drifted from the sea. Since buildings and roadways at New Brighton began restricting sand drift 100 years ago, and more particularly in the last 50 years, the beach sandhills have increased dramatically in height, and sand frequently invades Marine Parade between Beach Road and Shackleton Street. It seems obvious that eventually some policy of sand-dune growth control will be needed to allow for proper maintenance or reconstruction of the roadway. — Yours, etc., PETER DUNBAR. August 11, 1980.