OMINOUS SCARS SHOW ON LAND SURROUNDING LAKE

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 41, 27 May 1965, Page 3

OMINOUS SCARS SHOW ON LAND SURROUNDING LAKE

Scars on the tablelands above Lake Taupo's Western Bays made by heavy machinery engaged in land development work are becoming increaslngly obvious. This is particularly clear to people who are advoeating the provision of reserves around the lake to save it from the troubles now being experienced in Lake Rotorua, and elsewhere, due to enrichment caused by the run-off from developed land. They are apprehensive also, that erosion will follow — as it has done in other parts of the central pumice plateau. The area under development extends from the Whanganui Stream in the south end of the Western Bays nearly up to Tihoi in the north. The Waihaha Stream, favourite spot for anglers, is approximately in the middle of the block. The rumble of the bulldozers working around the headwaters and tributary streams running into the Western Bays Is an ominous sound to those who wish to. preserve the lake and its surrounds for enjoyment to posterity. Some maintain that it would be better for the economy to limit land development to areas which cannot affect the lake from erosion and run-off so that the national heritage of the lake can be preserved. By so doing, income would continue to be derived from fishing, boating and tourism which, they hold, would more than com-

pensate for the loss of income from prospective farms established in unstable pumice country. Aesthetically, however, the preservation of the lake in its natural state is considered to be of the greatest national importance. Grand champions of this cause are the members of the Taupo County Oouncil, who have drawn up a scheme for the provision of adequate reserves on a national basis, and this is now being considered by a Parliamentary committee which includes Cabinet Ministers whose departments are interested. The chairman of the council, Mr H, M. Besley, has pointed out that such action should have been taken 50 years ago or more. The council considers, however, that much can still be achieved if immediate action is taken. Almost a year has gone by since they drew up the scheme. In the meantime, land development is forging ahead in the areas critical to the success of the scheme.