Mt. Cook National Park

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 3

Mt. Cook National Park

Sir, —The intention of the Mount Cook Park Board to cut down larch trees about the Hermitage seems to be a very misguided policy since the larches do nothing to mar the beauty of the area and much to enhance it. Has the board considered the opinions of the residents and the many other users of the park in this matter? If the act is so intractable surely it may be amended. To implement the act thoroughly the board must go further. The fescue grass covering the Hooker flats should be eradicated, and, too, the cherry trees at Foliage Hill (which, incidentally, supply the local native pigeons with much food) must be destroyed. Exotics are in national parks to stay and boards are only wasting public money in attempting to remove them. —Yours, etc., C. J. BURROWS. Timaru, May 4, 1959.

Sir, —I support “Tane’s” criticism of ruthless destruction of fine stands of exotic trees in the park. The area concerned. Foliage Hill, is of historical interest, being the site of the first Hermitage. With the protection of these trees, this forms the only natural camping area in the park. Placing the camping ground on the exposed fan at the entrance to the hotel was a gross mistake. The amenity and toilet block on the roadside is an unsightly welcome to our new and expensive hotel. How much better to place the village and camping ground among those beautiful larches! But no, our botanical purists in authority wish to destroy all trees whose spread can so easily be controlled until, perhaps, in 50 years we have natives of a height to take their place.—Yours, etc..