RANGITOTO.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 52, 2 March 1929, Page 12

RANGITOTO.

EXOTIC FLORA GROWIfe POPPIES AND BLACKB£S|Q| I * I STRONG ACTION" URGED OX DOMAIN COARD. Danger of the unique natural of Rangitoto being marred by the int ro . duction of exotic flowers and shrubs referred to at yesterday's meeting 0 j the Auckland Institute and Council. It was stated that pine tre« poppies, and blackberries were gro-w-j. on the mountain. Immediate and drast* action to eradicate the pests was afrj. cated, and it was decided to ask the Kangitoto Domain Board to prohibit tit introduction of any plant or animal to the island. The president of the Institute (Mr. H. E. Vaile) said at the time «• the recent Science Congress in Auckland a visit was paid to Rangitoto by tfe many distinguished visitors, who w tr j greatly impressed. botanists and geologists considering the island unique Unfortunately exotics had been introduced. There were odd pine trees in various parts, and near the top there were cannas, poppies and, worst of blackberries in full fruit, ready to bt distributed by natural action amon»g£ the rocks, where it would be almost impossible to get rid of them. Professor A. P. W. Thomas eaiij it was possible for blackberry seeds to be introduced by birds. Mr. A. T. Pycrou agreed, but pointed out that many plants and flowers which were not native to tie island had been introduced by holiday makers and the owners of shacks. Professor F, P. Worley remarked that the poppies near the summit Juj obriously been, planted. It should be » most stringent law that nothing exotic should be brought on the island. Mr. Vaile said what with opossums, deer, wild cats and goats the island was in danger of being spoiled and its unique character would be ruined if exotic plants were allowed to be brought in. It was unanimously resolved to request the Domain Board to tale drastic action to prevent undesirable importations in the future.