Letter to the Editor …

Those of us who take an interest in the preservation and conservation of our national heritage must be very concerned when they see those supported by taxpayers money to look after it fail us in so many ways.

One is entitled to express a particular objection when these individuals and institutions are found seriously wanting in both care, priorities and practice.

An example might be found during the recent floods here. It was forecast that the flood might exceed the 60 year mark yet out at Clarendon no one thought of taking any precaution to protect the Coach House standing as it does in a very vulnerable position.

For those who do not know, thousands of tax payers dollars were spent a few years ago renovating the old workers cottages on the ground floor of this building. The expenditure was fully justified as these cottages are a unique example of the Christian compassion of James Cox, who built Clarendon in 1838, for his workers standing as a wonderful monument to one of our finest early Colonial Settlers.

In my view, and many of you might agree, The National Trust of Tasmania – who with a small “m” manage this important heritage site – did not take any action to protect these cottage dwellings. (The front of the building could have been sand-bagged and doorways could have been sealed to at least limit the intake of water.)

Once actually flooded and a great deal of damage done, it did not take The National Trust long to bemoan the fate of these important heritage dwellings and to tell us all that they would need thousands of dollars to re-renovate them.

One finds their appeal rather shallow as they now only open the place for three days a week inconveniencing the many Tourists who want to visit it, and failing to offer support to the local businesses who have jointly supported The Tasmanian National Trust for years without a thought.

The facts are clear. Those who are entrusted with the care and protection of our valuable heritage must be vigilant, competent and apply themselves to the tasks entrusted to them. The public are entitled to question them.
Len Langan, Longford