THE SHINGLE QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2350, 30 April 1892, Page 4

THE SHINGLE QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As I was the proposer of the resolution at Teruuka to the effect that no damage had been done to property from Washdyke to Rangitata by the construction of the breakwater, I claim a right to confute Mr Balfour’s assertion that damage has been done, except iu one instance —that was when Mr Balfour had the audacity to put up a wire fence on the ocean side of the high-water mark, and expected the ocean to keep back like a flock of sheep; hence his superior intelligence on the shingle question. Now if Mr Balfour had put the fence on the proper boundary line it would be standing to-day. lam prepared to go on a public platform with Mr Balfour on this question for the edification of the public. As Mr Balfour has not defined the damage in any way, but challenges Messrs Stuart, Evans, Stumbles, and Hill to come here and inspect the beach, there will be no chance for a novice like mo, that is as often on the beach as Mr Balfour. Now, Mr Editor, I should like to put a few questions before the public. Noll, re shingle—Where does the shingle come from ? 1 shall leave this to the experts to answer, as I find there are too many classes of stone for me to define under present circumstances. 2. Does the shingle protect the beach I My answer is No, with the exception of where the shingle is held, by natural means or otherwise. Take, for example, first from the north, then from the south—the travel of the shingle. Let anyone look at the action of the shingle in a storm, and he will observe that every wave heaves up shingle, only to be washed back by the backward flow of shingle. It is this self-same act of abrasion that wears the shingle smooth. I contend it also wears the clay, or other substance that may come into contact with the tidal motion, to a much greater extent than pure ocean water would. 3.—Does the beach ever become denuded of shingle / My answei is : Only partially ; if a storm is travelling from the south the points exposed will become completely denuded, and vice versa, as tho storm travels. 4. -Is there any natural wear and tear on the beach I I will leave this to Mr Balfour to answer. If he puts his coastal fence on the sectional line as laid out by the surveyor he will have a landmark to go by infuture years.—l am, el ° ’ Alexander Beck. Soadown and Temuka.