REMOVAL OF SAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 February 1941, Page 3

REMOVAL OF SAND

SEA BEACHES AFFECTED. [per press association.] WELLINGTON, February 17. An appeal to local authorities and to the people to make strong efforts to guard against the despoliation of the sea beaches of the Dominion was made by the Minister-for Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) to-day. He said that instances had been brought to his notice lately in which the removal of sand for commercial purposes was causing irretrievable damage to one or two of the beaches which were most popular for swimming and lifesaving work. The Minister expressed the view that there was not sufficient protection of the beaches, which, next to the beautiful bush, were among the country’s finest assets. “A man not long ago showed me a large excavation on one of Wellington’s beaches, and remarked that the person or building firm who removed sand and shingle from there for profit was not thinking of the people’s heritage. Neither was the authorising local authority. I think we must all agree with that view,” said Mr. Parry. A- further example of beach despoliation on a large scale was going on at Manukau Harbour, Auckland, the Minister said. Considerable damage had been done to the foreshore of the harbour, which was a popular resort. At the request of a number of enthusiastic swimmers and instructors he had placed the matter before the Minister for Marine in the hope that, with the co-operation of the Auckland Harbour Board, the beach would be saved. “The people of New Zealand love their beaches,” Mr. Parry said, “and I earnestly appeal to local bodies exercising authority over some of the foreshores to discourage applications for the removal of sand and shingle from those parts of the beaches where it would be inimical to the people’s interests.”