THE "inconvenient and often great danger to which the residents in North Malvern Road are exposed by the blasting operations that take place in the quarries" was highlighted in the Gazette a century ago.

The paper quoted some "forcible remarks" made on the subject by local clergyman Rev Anthony Deane in his parish magazine.

"The inhabitants of the North Malvern Road are thinking of emigrating to Port Arthur for a little rest and quietness. After their recent experiences, the noise of the Japanese bombardment would seem trifling in comparison and life there would be quite as safe as it is in the North Malvern Road, where large pieces of rock whizz through the air and fall with a crash upon their doorsteps."

The clergyman was referring to the Russo-Japanese war of that year, which had begun in February when Japan launched a sneak attack on Russian naval vessels at Port Arthur on the coast of China.

"Seriously, the present state of things here is a scandal and it is high time the district council or some other responsible body took vigorous action to end it," said the irate clergyman.

"Of course, we hear the noise of the cannonade at the vicarage, but fortunately we are out of range of the projectiles. For people living rather higher up the road, the matter is a very serious one.

"Quite lately a huge boulder fell close to the road, which it took four men to move away.

"If this state of things existed in Graham Road or Church Street, it would not be tolerated for a day."