RANGITOTO ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 169, 19 July 1935, Page 15

RANGITOTO ISLAND.

PRESERVING OF FLORA. MUSEUM TAKING ACTION , . "I think that we should make it clear that we have no desire to exclude the public from Rangitoto Island," said the president, Mr. A. T. Pycroft, at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Institute and Museum, when a letter from tho Rangitoto Domain Board was being discussed. Mr. Pycroft said that following reports made by Miss L. M. Crariwell, botanist at the museum, the council had offered to co-operate with the board for the purpose of retaining the island in its natural state. At present there were about 98 shacks on the island. "So far from wishing to exclude the public from Rangitoto," continued Mr. Pycroft, "we want as many as possible to visit it to appreciate its unique attractions, the preservation of which should be of national interest." The Domain Board stated in its letter that it would do as much as possible to preserve the greater part of the island and to save the flora from destruction. As its chief revenue was from licenses to shack holders, the board did not think it desirable to restrict the number of people building on the foreshore. Several members of the council suggested that a ranger be appointed to look after the native flora and fauna, and eliminate the exotic plants. After further discussion in committee it was decided to appoint the president and Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., to take any action they thought desirable.