Forest reserves

Press, 2 October 1979, Page 18

Forest reserves

Sir, — The upper Glenroy and Matakitaki are magnificent mountain valleys and local residents should take pride in the proposal to give them premier status as part of the Nelson Lakes National Park. As part of the park they would be preserved for the benefit of all New Zealanders, most of whom would be delighted to have such a splendid asset in their backyard. The manner in which some locals objected to this proposal (“The Press,” September 29) stems from their mistaken belief that a small area of farmland would be added to the park. After the assurances by the commissioner of Crown Lands that inclusion of the freehold land was a mistake and that Crown grazing leases would continue in the enlarged park, there is no good reason why locals cannot join, with others and welcome the proposals. Committed antipark extremists (e.g. West Coast Futures and the Forest Service) should be ignored. — Yours, etc.,

P. S. GRANT,

Nelson. September 29, 1979.