SEA EROSION AT ST. CLAIR.

Evening Star, Issue 17367, 1 June 1920, Page 9

SEA EROSION AT ST. CLAIR.

TO THB EDITOR. Sir, —Having made several visits to the locality during the past week, and made ■rather an exhaustive study, of the quite alarming position set np by the sea erosion of the dunes that is now so rapidly active along the whole coast-line from St. Clair to St. Kilda, and holding in view the absolute momentousness of what a terrible disaster 'is possible to occur—and quite probably will, if tho destroying forces are not soon effectively checked bv such adequate means as are now possible— the writer offers the following % suggestions, trusting to a fair and appropriate consideration of them by the riding authorities in the matter—viz., that- St. Clair Head be at once made convertible to the purposes of a rqck quarry site; that a suitable railway be constructed thence along the esplanade, etc., for use in depositing large rock, ana still larger rock conglomerate blocks, to servo in constructing an adequate rock-apron of the necessary solidity, form, and height along the whole .dune face from St. Clair to St. Ivilda to withstand effectively the destroying action of the sea forces that arc nondominating. Without any feeling whatever of interfering or contending with any that are officially or professionally concerned in the matter, but yet fully aware of the heavy costliness attaching to the scheme outlined, this suggestion is given publicity as a possible help to the prevention of 'a not wholly improbable heavy disaster that will sooner or later otherwise occur beyond the comparatively trilling effacement of the pleasing sea-frontage conditions which have obtained hitherto. Seemingly tke heavy financial outlay, that would he involved would be justly regarded—looking to th'e vastness of destruction which neglect may lead to—as of quite State concern, and not. merely that of Dnnedin only. These remarks are from one who has had a lengthy professional active experience.—l am, etc. Xoitlvx. May 31.