QUARRYING AT MT. ALBERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16268, 29 June 1916, Page 9

QUARRYING AT MT. ALBERT.

PROTESTS IN THE HOUSE.

PETITION FROM AUCKLAND.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL COKRESPONDeXT.]

Wellington, Wednesday. A petition from 1600 residents of Auckland, asking that the quarrying of scoria ajid stone at Mount Albert by the Railway Department should cease, was reported upon -to-day by the M to Z Petitions Committee, which recommended that the matter be referred to the Railways Committee.

Mr. Payne said that there were other ways of obtaining ballast than ljy despoiling Auckland's beautiful hills, and be noped the Railways Committee would give the matter due consideration. Mr. W. T. Jennings, as a native of Auckland, protested against the further spoliation of Auckland's volcanic hills. Ballast, he said, could be obtained from the bills by tunnelling, without destroying their beauty. He was sorry that Mr. C. J. Parr was absent, as ho was sure that member would have entered a very strong protest against what was being done.

Mr- A. E. Glover also protested against the beauty of the hills being spoiled. Mr. H. G. Ell hoped the Minister for Railways would give this matter serious consideration. The quarrying away of these hills was robbing Auckland of one of its most attractive assets. It would be a thousand pities if, for the sake of a few thousand pounds, future generations were robbed of the magnificent scenic beauties of these hills. He hoped the Minister would take the matter in hand before any further damage was done. The report was referred to the Railways Committee.