State Library of NSW
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The sun had come out and we walked between the rows of giant pines along the promenade. Don Adamson outlined the theory which explained why some had died and many appeared sick. Detergent from domestic washing passed through the sewer system to the ocean outfall at North Head. The current and onshore wind carried the effluent back towards the beach, and the salt spray from the breakers deposited detergent foam onto the pines. The detergent was believed to be responsible for breaking down an "active transport system" which protected the trees from the salt. Some of the dead pines had been cut down by the Council, amidst much public outcry: Although not a native species, they had been a feature of the Manly beach scene for almost a hundred years. They had become such a well known symbol of the beach that, during the wartime invasion panic, an order was given to remove them to confuse the enemy. But local feeling for the pines overcame military logic after only one tree was cut down. The Japanese had not stormed ashore and the stump was later fitted with a brass plate which commemorated the sacrifice.
Landa assured the Mayor of his determination to alleviate beach pollution. The State Pollution Control Commission was examining a proposal for extending the sewer outfall under the seabed and well away from the beach. However, any solution would take time and money.
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