Westland forests

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 20

Westland forests

Sir,—Most of those who are anti-conservation are talking nonsense. Like M. Macpherson (September 19), they purport to know what is right for the West Coast. They are living in the ■ past. My trip to South Westland was spoilt only by the knowledge of the uncertain future which holds these lowlapd forests in balance. The same destruction which has occurred in Central Westland could be be fate of South Westland. I have formed my opinions through a long association with New Zealand’s wild places, those overseas and an open and inquiring mind with regard td conservation-exploita-tion. Is it'a “big lie” that Third World countries are suffering unprecedented ecological disaster through deforestation? Is it a “big lie” that this planet is warming through pollution and deforestation?. M. Macpherson had best remove his “big blinkers” before he wakes to a devastated planet.—Yours, etc., P. J. BARRETT. . September 25, 1988.

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