BEACH EROSION

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 12

BEACH EROSION

MR WILSON'S REMARKS RESENTED “ ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS ARE ALARMED " MR H. D. ANDERSON HITS BACK Strong exception to the remarks made in last night’s ‘ Star ’ by Mr John Wilson, chairman of the Domain Board, regarding St. Clair Beach erosion is taken by Mr N. D. Anderson, of the St. Kilda Borough Council. “ As one who was responsible lor the action taken by the St. Kilda Council at its meeting on Monday, night in connection with this matter,” Mr Anderson informed a ‘ Star ’ representative to-day, “ 1 must say Mr Wilson’s remarks astonish me.

“ For pne who occupies the responsible position of chairman of the Domain Board to state publicly that there is no cause for alarm seems to me to be a matter calling for an explantation as to whether Mr Wilson has any idea of the real seriousness of the position. Most of us have seen whole sections of the sandhills slipping into the sea, and portions of the footpath which originally existed between St. Clair and St. Kilda have completely disappeared. Surely the residents of the area in question who know what is taking place are entitled to some definite information as to what it is proposed to do, rather than be told that there is no need for alarm.” The St. Kilda Council, said Mr Anderson, realised! its responsibilities in the matter, and for that reason had decided to confer with the hoard and the City Council in an endeavour to obtain advice which would result in suitable stops being taken to combat a serious situation.

“ Surely Dir Wilson knows that lately, in an attempt to stem the ravages of the sea, the board placed sandbags near the seat of the trouble,” Mr Anderson went on. “ These were quickly washed away, thus proving how wholly ineffective such suggested protection is. It is true the sea is taking away just what the board has built up, hut surely Mr Wilson realises that the position to-day is very much worse than ever before. .No matter how, much time, money, and work are expended to preserve tho sandhills, a more comprehensive scheme than scrub fences and sandbags must be devised.” Air Anderson stressed that the residents nearby were anxious, more than that, they were alarmed—despite any reassuring statements coining from Air Wilson. The board, it appeared, did not desire a meeting, but it would be onlv by a meeting and a decision to do something' that the fears of residents could ho allayed.

“ There can be no doubt,” Air Anderson admitted, “ that the protection required is of greater financial magnitude than the board can hear. The St. Kilda Council, in an endeavour to do its dluty, is satisfied that an opinion from a competent authority should and must be obtained at the earliest possible date.”