IRRIGATION IN DEANS BUSH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28922, 16 June 1959, Page 20

IRRIGATION IN DEANS BUSH

Benefit To Native Pine Species

A successful experiment in the use of irrigation in the Riccarton Bush, using water from the Riccarton borough high pressure mains, had been carried out, Mr John Deans reported at a meeting of a sub-committee of the Riccarton Bush Trustees, and representatives of the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The sub-committee comprised Messrs John Deans, James Deans, W. P. Glue, and M. A. Connelly, M.P. The Royal Society was represented by Professor W. R. Phillipson, Dr. E. J. Godley, and Mr A. J. Healey. The report of the meeting was adopted by the bush trustees at a recent meeting.

Members of the party traversed the various tracks through the bush to examine the many species of native and foreign growths, and later discussed recommendations on the society’s report in Mr John Deans’s house.

Mr John Deans said an irrigation firm had advised that pumping from the river was very difficult because the surface levels were too uneven.

Mr Healey explained that irrigation would assist the native species because introduced plants would not prosper under swamp conditions, which on the other hand, suited native growth if the bush was kept well moist during the summer period. He said the bush was the last surviving area of predominantly native white pine swamp and was unique in being the only known area containing a similar number of species.

A recommendation that the existing grass clearings be cultivated and planted with coprosma or other shade-bearing shrubs to protect future plantings of White pines, was made by Mr Healey. It was agreed that immediate action was necessary to eliminate clematis growth in the bush. Dr. Godley suggested that the local Scouts be permitted to do clearing work under supervision in the area where ivy and wild iris plants were prevalent and thereby obtain supplies of these plants for sale in aid of their funds.