THE WAIPOUA FOREST.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14564, 15 January 1913, Page 10

THE WAIPOUA FOREST.

The following letter has been sent to the Prime Minister by Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., with respect to tho Waipoua kauri forest:—'"l see that you are on your way to visit Waipoua kauri forest. For over twenty years this fin© forest has been protected by tho Lands Department with great care, and.l know it has long been the intention of the Department that it should bo permanently set aside as a national reserve, on account of the unique character ot th© forest growing thereon, being the only forest of its kind in the world. To hand this forest over to tho sawmiller would be to rob the people of this country and all generations to come of a very" beautiful and wonderful sight, which, if destroyed, can never bo replaced. And I most earnestly appeal to you not to accede to the request to open the reserve for milling purposes. At most it may provide employment for a small number of men for a few years, but the result will bo to rob all future generations of a magnificent sight. If mado moro widely known, it would prove a great attraction to visitors to our land. Tho destruction of all the magifificent forests of the Rai Valley and other parts is deeply deplored. Many of the great countries of the world are making largo national reserves in order to reserve for all timo th© natural forest growing thereon. Tho Waipoua forest is our finest forest reserve, and its unique character makes it priceless, for it exists in no other part of the world. No amount of money would compensate the people of this country for its loss, and all the people of this country are concerned in its preservation, and havo an undoubted right to bo considered. I feel certain in standing firm for its protection you will receive tho thanks of the people of the Dominion. For years the sawmillers have asked that the forest be handed over to them. Their desire is but natural, but the people as a whole hay© to be considered. Tho benefit to the miller and his men is a passing one, but the loss to th© community would bo for all time. Surely the people of this country are entitled to have preserved for them this last remaining portion of th© one-time vast kauri forests of this country. I therefore earnestly and sincerely hop© you will resist the pressure which is being brought upon you; in doing so you will earn the gratitude and thanks of th© people of this Dominion. When Mr Stallworthy some years ago made a similar request, I as strongly opposed it. and I sincerely trust you, for tho sako of present and futuro generations, will remain the firm and faithful guardian of this glorious forest, and that you will bring in a Bill next session to make it a national reserve."