"SPARE THE TREES."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 79, 3 April 1928, Page 8

"SPARE THE TREES."

KAURI AREA NEAR MURIWAI. PRESERVATION PROPOSAL. VISIT OF HORTICULTURISTS. "I had no idea that there was such a beautiful piece of untouched native bush within such easy access of the railway line," remarked Mr. D. A. Hay, vice-president of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, yesterday afternoon, on visiting an area of virgin kauri and mixed forest on the far side of the Waitakere Ranges, which it- is hoped may be purchased for preservation as a public reserve.

Within the past day or two the area has 'been visited by various representatives of the Auckland Council of the New Zealand Institute, with a view to reporting to a public meeting which is to be held to-morrow evening in the Chamber of Commerce, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Geo. Baildon) for the purpose of obtaining a public expression of opiuion on the project. Their official report will be presented by the hon. secretary (Mr. N. R. W. Thomas) and other officials.

The history of the proposal is that a member of the council learnt recently that an offer of £600 had been made to the owners (the Northern Fruit Lands Company) for the purchase of the timber. WTien approached with a view to facilitating the purchase of the area for the purposes of a reserve, the latter pointed out that the official value of the property, 30 acres in extent, is £12.">0. They agreed, however, to accept the sum which had been offered for the timber, thus in effect contributing to the purchase. In view mi this oner the executive took an optron over the property. , Variety of Native Plants. "I was greatly impressed with the bush," said Mr. Hay, "and also with the wonderful variety of northern New Zealand plants which are growing there. This is a small piece of genuine mixed kauri forest, which neither axe nor fire lias touched; it has been perfectly preserved by its situation amongst the hills, and protected by its secondary growth, which is fast regenerating a wide range of native trees."

Those who visited the area were also impressed with its proximity to the main road to Muriwai, and with the fact that it is within sight of the wellknown beach. "We were able yesterday," said Mr. Hay, "to motor to a point which is within ten minutes' walk of the largest kauri tree in the reserve. Some of these are over Bft in diameter. In addition to the kauris, there is a great range of other New Zealand trees, such as totara, matai, rimu, kaihikatea, karaka, miro, and many other species."

Handy to the City. The return journey to the city occupied an hour and ten minutes. For those proceeding from the city to the reserve, the nearest route is along the concrete road to Henderson, on by the Lincoln Road to Brigham's Creek, and thence to Huapai. From there motorists have the option of driving by way of Waimauku, or by the direct road to Muriwai. The latter is a mile shorter, and leads through the Huapai orchards for a distance of about three miles. On the saddle overlooking the Waitakere station, a sharp turn is made to the left, and the concrete road is then followed to the 1 main bridge. A foot track to the left then takes visitors right down to the kauris. >

Mr. Hay remarked that the party counted at least 26 big kauris in one cluster, and many smaller ones. All were in splendid condition and untouched by wind, fire or axe. Further, the trees had never been bled for gum. In every way it was an ideal piece of kauri bush to reserve for future generations.