AGAINST NATURE

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18632, 10 May 1932, Page 8

AGAINST NATURE

CONSTRUCTION OF HARBOURS. RELIABLE DATA NEEDED. The necessity for keeping reliable data regarding developments in and about harbour works for the guidance of the authorities in assisting boards with expert advice was emphasised in a letter received by the Gisborne Harbour Board from Mr Godfrey, secretary to the Marine Department. The letter pointed out that it was in the interests of the boards themselves that this data should bo filed regularly. A decidedly interesting portion of the letter was as follows: “The construction of almost any kind of harbour is an essential interference with Nature’s activities and almost invariably causes natural reactions, which mean, in effect, that the prevailing conditions are'changed. This applies right through the further developments which take place from time to time. ... No aiftount of engineering skill can defeat Nature, except at a price. The price is now, in many cases, revealing itself, and the time has come when some boards are finding it impossible to continue paying the price. On the other hand, natural forces can often be guided; but only if a sufficiency of reliable data exists on which to form a considered judgment as to how they might be, guided."

The letter further referred to the efforts made at Westport harbour, by Government officials, to record the fullest data as to new developments in the port, and the. subsequent effects upon the environment of the harbour.

•The letter was referred to the engineer and harbourmaster for their attention. Mr T. Todd suggested that the board’s reply should point out. that the reactions between Nature and the harbour work at Gisborne had so far been most satisfactory,-