“TAINTED AIR”

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 153, 16 March 1923, Page 9

“TAINTED AIR”

Sir. —I was vor.v gratified to not© the prominence, given in to-day’s issue of your important, publication to the nuisance iierpctrated by th» fishing industry at Island Bay. The resident interviewed by your representative' has clearly voiced the feelings of tho residents, as a whole, who aro rather tired of the apathy of the City Council and its pokey or procrastination in roirnrd to tbe strong representations which h.avo been made with a view to prohibiting the fishermen from landing fish on tho beach and making it a dumping ground for boats and, nets, and generally • giving the beach an untidy appearance, apart altogether from the fishy atmosphere, which even the strong winds of Wellington fail to disseminate oceanwards.

Leaving out the island altogether, West Beach appears to bo an excellent “port” for the fishermen, and adequate provision can bo made there to enable, them to successfully carry on their operations. There is no desire on the part of Island Bay residents to cripple the industry, as it i« generally recognised as one which should be fostered, but it should not be permitted to spoil and taint what would otherwise be one of the finest seaside spots anywhere near Wellington. I know of no other industry or trade that can grab and hold what can be termed a “site” for its operations at a nominal rental of nothing, and at the same time become a nuisance to many of the public who seek

the beach for a whiff of salt air—undiluted. . 1 trust tho council will sit up and take notice and get busy, as if the nuisance is not abated the beach will soon be in the sole occupation of Italian fishermen and the seagulls, tho latter not being at all averse to fish fragments and scents of other than lavender. —I am, etc., A. SMELL.