Offensive Mines
Corresponding to the remarkable increase in• local and county literature —as recently in the shires of Bedford, Leicester, Rutland and Herts- is the formation of defence associations. Mining, in various forms, has aroused violent opposition. There has been founded, for example, a South Bedfordshire Preservation Society, with Sir Frederick Mande" as Presi- dent, with the object of defending the Chilterns. The chief efficient cause was the mining of chalk which ruined the beauty of the famous Tottenhoe Knolls, a most lovely resort for those whom such towny towns as Luton immure. There may be good argument for some such mining in respect, for example, of gravel and sand, but there is none for dumping and pollution "againstwhich few protests are raised. Some beatitiful bits of Hertfordshire have been befouled by the dumping of London rubbish, attracting both rats and flies and involving the destruction of trees and hedges; and just below one such offensive dump a beautiful and historic stream has.-been so poisoned that not a live thing survives in its•waters. The recent rains which have cleared out mudbanks and such -offer a good opportunity for restocking such rivers, if the source of pollution is stopped.
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