SCENIC RESERVES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17989, 5 February 1924, Page 5

SCENIC RESERVES.

SIR HEATON RHODES AT REDCLIFFS. PROTECTION OF BUSH REMNANT URGED. A largo and representative deputation of Redcliffs residents, organised by the Redcliffs Burgesses' Association, met Sir Hoaton Rhodes, Minister of Defence; General Sir Edward Chaytor, and Colonel loung, at the rilio range on Saturday afternoon. Mr J. McCombs, M.P., in introducing the deputation, said the Burgesses' Association and residents wero very anxious that steps should bo taken to protect tho remnant of hush still left in the upper valleys behind tho Redcliffs rifle range. The Association thought that tho bush nTTght be fenced and declared a reserve, and that the Burgesses' Association, or some body created for tho purpose, might bo given charge of it. The president of the Redcliffs Burgesses' Association, Mr F. T. Eldridge, strongly supported the request, and said there were many beautiful specimens of plants in the bush that were not to' be found elsewhere. Tho Burgesses' Association was keenly desirous that the bush should be preserved from destruction by cattle and from vandalism by thoughtless persons who sometimes visited the bush and -took away ferns and plants, and chopped down beautiful trees.

Mr J. O. 11. Newbery, of Redcliffs, also supported the request and gave some interesting details regarding the plants to be found in the bush, and also showed photographs of waterfalls which were to bo seen during the winter and after heavy falls of rain. Mr Newbery said he was deeply interested in the flora of this part of the range, and would bo pleased to give the Minister a full list of the native trees and shrubs in the hush.

Tho Mayor .of Sumner (Mr W. H. Nicholson), while thanking Sir Heaton Rhodes, General Chaytor, and Colonel Young for meeting the deputation, said that "what had been asked for was in the interests of future generations, and that they, to-day, should display the same vision in these matters as did the founders of Canterbury in reserving parks and planting, trees for the beneiit of those that would come after them. He hoped that some day tho whole of tho rifle range would bo handed over as a sports ground. Sir Heaton Rhodes, replying, said he was, naturally, sympathetic to the preservation of the native flora of tho Dominion whero possible. Tho proposition seemed a very reasonable one and appealed to him. The Defence Department would ask an officer of the Worfis Department to prepare an estimate for the, fencing. He did not think that the Department could ho quite so generous as to hand over the whole of the rifle range, Some years ago tho matter had been considered, but it was difficult to acqtrire another range near a tramline., and then the cost which might do considerable had also to be considered.

Mr J. A. Russell,' of Re<Miffs, further asked the Minister to consider the granting of a small portion of the land near the' rood for the purpose of laying down a bowling green and croquet lawns.

The Minister f promised to give the matter consideration.