Totara and the kokako

Press, 16 February 1978, Page 14

Totara and the kokako

Sir, — Your correspondent, Janice Walker, a resident at Pureora forest, claims to “tell exactly what is going on here.” In fact her letter is taken almost word for word from the now-discredited handouts issued during the controversy from the office of the Minister of Forests. The statements about the kokako have already been refuted by the Wildlife Service which mentions in particular ("The Press,” January 19) that the small Pikiariki reserve designated by the Forest Service “in no way resembles” the Wildlife Service reserve recommendations, except for a narrow frontage. As for the totaras, no protesters ever claimed that these trees were actually being felled; the claim made was that the survival of these grand old trees was being put in jeopardy by the removal of most of the surrounding forest. This claim has never been answered or even acknowledged. — Yours, etc., GWENNY DAVIS, National Chairman, Native Forests Action Council, Nelson, February 14, 1978. Sir, — Your correspondent, Janice Walker, of Pureora, obtains her “facts” from the same source as that used by Mr Jack Walker, officer in charge, Pureora Forest: namely a circular sent to all Forest Service outposts by the Minister of Forests. This circular probably fulfils the Minister’s obligation to maintain the morale of his department, but it should not be treated as containing reliable information, especially in view of the Wildlife Service's refutation. — Yours, etc., GUY SALMON Nelson, February 14, 1978.