BLOT ON RANGITOTO

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 167, 5 October 1927, Page 13

BLOT ON RANGITOTO

BEAUTY RUINED BY QUARRY PROTEST TO COUNCIL What he considers shameful destruction of a beauty spot on Rangitoto by quarrying has caused Mr. N. McDougall to write a letter of protest to the Devonport Borough Council. The council will consider the letter at its meeting this evening. I recently made a trip to Rangitoto and visited a favourite haunt, the old Salt Pan, says Mr. McDougall. To my great disappointment I found that, what was once a beautiful place is now an ugly blot on the landscape. The Motu Shingle Company has ma.de a quarry, and, although it has only been working a few months, one would not recognise the place. I have seen letters to the papers about the destruction caused by deer and opossums. These poor animafs are certainly not capable of shifting about 700yds. of rock per week, and of chopping down the picturesque pohutukawa and ti-tree. I think some *>arty has acted very shamefully in allowing this thing, as there is ample room away from view on the other side of the island, where another quarry already exists. What will prohibit further permits being given, and possibly some day the whole island becoming a quarry, as no doubt, it seems an excellent proposition commercially? I trust that some explanation will be forthcoming, and that steps will be taken to prohibit this business before further damage is caused.