EXOTICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 258, 30 October 1926, Page 15

EXOTICS.

NUISANCE IN NATIONAL PARKS. ANIMALS AND PLANTS. EFFORT TO BAN THEM. The Auckland Institute decided yesterday afternoon, to support the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, in opposing the introduction of exotic plants and animals into the Tono-ariro and other national parks. The Canterbury Institute expressed a hope that prompt measures would be taken, ami that the heather in the Tongariro Park would be eradicated at any cost and that everything possible should be done to control and check the increase of such plants and animals as had already spread into the park. The Institute was, further, of opinion that the introduction of exotic animals into New Zealand should be far more strictly controlled than at present. Frofessor A. P. W. Thomas, in moving that the Auckland Institute should support Canterbury in its attitude, said that national parka should be preserved as reserves characteristic of the country, and they should not be flooded with animals and plants that were foreign to them.

Professor Worley suggested that restrictions upon the growth of exotic plants on leased property in various national parks should be included as conditions of the leases.

Mr. H. E. Vaile (chairman) said that no leases should be granted, except for residential purposes. Flowers and vegetables would have to be forbidde i.

The suggestion was included in the resolution to support the Canterbury Institute, and carried.