Public Opinion

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 79, 21 December 1949, Page 4

Public Opinion

Though their views on all subjects are freely published here because we believe it our duty to uphold the public's right to freedom of opinion, our correspondents’ opinions are not necessarily shared by this newspaper. FIRES AT OHOPE Sir, —May I enquire through your paper if the Whakatane Fire Brigade is available to attend to fires on Ohope Beach? The state of unattended sections covered with lupins and fern and noxious weds is a menace which the Council in spite of applications does not pay attention. The masses of dried grass on the roadside all tend to the rapid spread of fire. Only a week ago there was a fire that ran right across one section and up to a fence of the house adjoining. I see notices, “Pay a visit to Ohope, the beauty spot.” Why is no something done to preserve and tidy it. The neglected sections are / a harbour for rats. The caterpillars on the lupin are a menace ,to every garden. Yours etc., RESIDENT. When this was referred to the superintendent of the Whakatane Fire Brigade, Mr T. Hurndell, ,he said that Ohope Beach was out of the area at present served by the Brigade. However, the brigade could attend a fire at Ohope if it first received permijfesjfon from a member of the Whakatane Fire Board but left adequate protection at Whakatane in £ase of an outbreak in the town. Ed.

TAWA TIMBER

Sir, —In the Beacon on Wednesday, December 14, there was an item of regarding the above which stated that the Whakatane Borough Council would not allow treated Tawa to be used in the borough. This appears a very negative attiude and shows a lack of appreciation of the present position of timber supply as well as the likely future position. With the shortage of the normal supply of Rimu and Matai for building purposes large quantities of treated Tawa have already been used by the Housing Department for flooring. This trend will continue and expand while our Tawa supplies last, as this timber treated by any of several methods is an excellent timber for many and varied uses. Everyone who has had any interest in the matter knows just 'how difficult it is to get timber to build within Whakatane and if substitute timbers are not used to supplement the dwindling supplies of Rimu and Matai the position must become worse.

With two treatment plants about to be installed in this area some relief could be provided. That is, if the Whakatane Borough Council would take a second look at the position. There is no doubt that a mean's of protecting the public from unscrupulous methods could be devised. The man who cuts and treats Tawa has more at stake and would therefore see that the public would be amply protected. / Ymir<i ptp K. O. TUNNICLIFFE, Sawmiller, Edgecumbe.