Pest Damage To Bush

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31385, 2 June 1967, Page 8

Pest Damage To Bush

Sir,—l was appalled recently to see the damage done by opossums and deer in the Otira area. While walking up Goat Hill, we found the bush quite open, the forest floor having been stripped of new growth. This means, of course, that there will be nothing to replace the giants once they have gone. Deer had rubbed bark off many of the large trees. This despoliation must soon be the cause of further massive slips into the Otira river with consequent danger to the township and residents. I understand that control of the deer and opossums is at present being carried out successfully in the Arthur’s Pass beech forest We in New Zealand surely realise by now that our native bush must be preserved at all costs. It is a priceless possession, as are the birds within it. What is New Zealand,, without Its native bush? We have reprehended the actions of our forbears for their Wanton raping of our forests. If we permit deer and opossums to destroy the bush, we are as gurely committing the same crime.— Yours, etc., P. MACKENZIE. May 30, 1967.