Litter-bugs Despoil Many Beauty Spots In Western Bays Of Lake Taupo

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 38, 18 May 1965, Page 1

Litter-bugs Despoil Many Beauty Spots In Western Bays Of Lake Taupo

Litter-bugs are despoiling the beauty spots in Lake Taupo's Western Bays, says the "Daily Post" in an article by its Taupo representative Mr B. S. Nicholl. This became evident, he says, when he acompanied the harbour master, Mr P. Petersen, on one of his routine inspections. Mr Petersen confirmed that the dumping of rubbish had been worse during the past sum- j mer than ever before.

At Boat Harbour, one of the most attractive areas around the lake, dozens of ; tins, cartons, bottles and 'other rubbish have been dumped on the ground in the native bush surrounding the harbour. No attempt had been made to bury it or cover it up. A cave in the area, no | doubt with some historical interest, appears to have been a favourite spot for disposing of litter. Boating, camping and hunting parties have also dumped rubbish in other desirable spots, ineluding Kawakawa Bay and Cherry Bay. Mr Petersen considers the position has become aggravated in recent years due to improved access and the resultant larger numbers of people using the lake and its surr j rounds for recreation. using the lake and its surThe officers of Internal Affairs Department, commercial boatmen and regular lake users have cleared up offensive litter in the past themselves, and, no doubt, wiU contend with the present problem. «. It is evident now, however, that the position has got beyond existing resources and there is a need for toilet and rubbish disposal facilities — particularly in Boat Harbour. The land around Boat Harbour is Maori-owned, j

and although there is a right of walking access for a chain from the lake's edge, the public are trespassing in camping or dumping rubbish ashore. This also applies to other areas of Maori-owned land and Crown reserves around the lake. It appears that the authorities and owners concerned in the preservation of the lake surrounds for the enjoyment of the public and promotion of tourism will ultimately have to give urgent consideration to the provision of the facilities required to maintain the beauty spots in attractive condition. In past years the Western Bays were used mainly by anglers who showed appreciation of nature's attractions by good camping practice, Mr Petersen said. The litter problem had become apparent since larger numbers of boating parties had had easier access to these once remote spots.