A Unique Domain

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21986, 9 January 1937, Page 12

A Unique Domain

The prohibition that the Minister for Lands has imposed on the building, of seaside cottages—comindnly called “ shacks ” —on Rangitoto Island, Auckland, has more than a local interest. Rangitoto, it is true, is unique, at any rate in New Zealand. An island composed of comparatively fresh lava with a very rough surface, it has been covered by Nature with vegetation. The freshness of the lava deposits is indicated by the general condition of the, flora, and the unique value of the island from a scientific point of view is that here Nature is seen at work covering up the scars that-she herself has made. To the botanist Rangitoto is almost an enchanting place. Dr. Hill, curator of Kew Gardens, expressed the keenest interest in it when he visited New Zealand some years ago, and strong condemnation of a policy that permitted the entry of exotic plants and animals. But while Rangitoto is unique, the principle at stake there is a principle that applies to many other parts of New Zealand. Shall places of particular beauty and scientific interest be preserved or shall they be left open to all the winds that blow? Rangitoto is both beautiful and scientifically interesting. Symmetrical in form, and clothed up to its crater-peak with native vegetation, it stands guard at Auckland’s front door, the most impressive island. in any New Zealand harbour. Before a track was made to the summit—later a motor road was added—it was a shying that the climb could be made only at the cost of a pair of boots. Some years ago the building of cottages on short lease on the water-front 5 of this public domain was permitted, and there are now 250 of these. At

present there are,not enough buildings to mar seriously the beautiful blue -line of the waterfront; but once such an is permitted no one can be sure where it will end, and protesters against this. alienation have had nightmares of a line of' “ shacks ” and bungalows right along the. water-front of Rangitoto Channel. Aesthetic considerations, are not the only argument against the policy of the Rangitoto Domain Board, for .which body it must be said that, like other similar bodies, it needs money for the care of its property. Botanists have protested persistently against a policy that permits the introduction of alien plants into what is a unique natural botanical garden. It should be made clear that it is not proposed to exclude the public from this splendid reserve. Rangitoto has long been popular with day excursionists, and no one suggests that the island should be shut up. But those who contend that residents should be excluded argue that if they are not’ Rangitoto will ultimately lose its charm for the excursionist,’ and become a featureless resort. There are, so they say, plenty of other areas for week-enders round about the gulf without encroaching on this island of rare beauty and scientific appeal. Now the Minister for Lands has decreed that there shall be no more building. and that ultimately all buildings shall be removed. It is one of the most interesting and encouraging moves that any New Zealand government has made to preserve natural objects, and • everyone who has studied the question knows that there are opportunities elsewhere for the application of the same policy. In many spots natural beauty and historical and scientific interest are threatened by what are deemed by some to be the needs of rural and urban settlement.