WAIPOUA IN DANGER.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1928, Page 9

WAIPOUA IN DANGER.

GRAVE RISK OF FIRE.

ROAD SHOULD BE CLOSED,

We have received the following letter from "Forester": "During recent weeks persistent bush fires have been of widespread occurrence. We read of the demolition of extensive areas of native forest with attendant damage to farm property, of the danger that threatens bush townships, and of the menace to human life in the bush-enclosed settlements of the backblocks. We hear of the destruction of carefully tended plantations, of the spread of ruin over pasture lands, and even of the burning of peat swamps with their valuable stocks of flax. It is, then, scarcely surprising to learn that those responsible for the guardianship of Waipoua, our last great kauri forest, are experienftng a time of great anxiety. Since the Coates Government, flying in the face of reason and public opinion alike, has obligingly constructed a road through the reserve that gives unhindered access to all and it is officially stated that fears are entertained for the safety of portions of the forest. The undergrowth is so dry that it is feared that a lighted match would cause disaster if thrown carelessly. As hundreds of motorists and others are reported to be using this road at present, the attendant risk is of very grave character.

"The 'Star' has repeatedly pointed out that the very existence of this bush road constitutes an eternal menace, competent authorities have no hesitation in stating that sooner or later it renders the destruction of the forest absolutely inevitable. Kauri forests that have survived roading are unknown. In the light of current events, even if history must be ignored, will any of the self-appointed 'authorities' in Ministerial seats or elsewhere repeat the assurance so often given during the past year to the effect that 'the kauri forest will not burn?' With the advance of settlement the preservation of Waipoua has always been a matter of keen anxiety to the forestry officials during the summer months; even in those happy days w'len the Government respected the integrity of the area and the forest rangers were in undisputed control. To-day the bushman, the gum-digger, the picnicker, and the übiquitous motorist can snap their fingers at those primarily responsible for the safety of the great forest. It is humanly impossible for the small staff employed (three or ,four at the most) to exercise any effective control now that unrestricted thoroughfare has been granted. In the very likely eVent of fire what can such a handful of men, widely scattered as they are, possibly hope to accomplish? Positively nothing of any practical moment. A kauri forest fire once started defies the efforts of a battalion. As there is no cure for a burnt forest, prevention must be the watchwprd. "Unless the disastrous history of Puhipuhi is speedily to be repeated at Waipoua, positive action, not talk, is demanded. If the threatened destruction of this forest is to be averted, there is but one thing to do, and that is to close r a road for which there is no i shadow of oxcuaej' ~ fp J ' 77,