WAITAKERE PARK SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 282, 29 November 1938, Page 8

WAITAKERE PARK SCHEME.

The able article by Mrs. T. M. Cluett appealing for public support for this scheme as a Centennial memorial deserves strong public attention and also support. There ie a Maori proverb which states that "the waters which flow to-day cannot be waded in on the morrow." This ie applicable to the publiespirited endeavour of those who desire to see preserved for all time the glorious primeval forested area of Waitakere. For if not now so preserved by being made a public forest reserve, the fire and axe of the timber getter will destroy what can never be restored. Much lias been done by various citizens in acquiring and donating to the public parts of these forested ranges. These effcrts will be largely depreciated if the whole area (as contemplated) ie not likewise alienated from private ownership. Aβ a Centennial effort the citizens not only of Auckland but of Xew Zealand as a whole should respond and our civic authorities jrive more active support than ie evinced. There are many other schemes which in themselves have much to commend them as Centennial memorials, but they are all such as can be realised at any future time. But the reservation of the Waitakere forests to ensure its preservation for all future time is a duty we at this moment owe to ourselves and to future generations. GEO. GRAHAM.

I hope that the delegates to the conference of metropolitan local 'bodies to consider the Centennial memorial for Auckland will show vision and foresight and will adopt ae a fitting memorial the creation of a national park in the Waitakere Ranges. Such a park would become a great civic playground. It would be a heritage for future generations. If the present opportunity ie lost, Waitakere will pass for ever from lyhe citizens of Auckland, and future generations will reprove us for our shortsightedness. The city of Auckland and all suburban local bodies will derive benefit from it. and I hope that the delegates, who will comprise the leaders of our municipal life, will decide in favour of a scheme that will appeal Ito all and will be a worthy memorial of our jCcntennial. X.Z.