Preservation of Native Bush

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 9

Preservation of Native Bush

Sir. —I would like to voice my appreciation of your correspondent, "Helen Cowie” for her very able and intelligent epistle, relating to our scenic reserves, which appeared in this morning’s “Dominion” : "The preservation of our forests is of paramount importance to our country, and it is a crying shame that the present Government has not done more ia relation to our forests.” Your correspondent has ably set out the various percentages of controlled areas of different countries, and we in New Zealand have to acclaim that we only control 11.7 per cent, of forest in a country that was so richly endowed and covered in such wonderful bush. Truly the progress of time makes many eliminations, but there is a greater vision needed on the part of the Government and the Forestry Department for the future welfare of our land, not only from a scenic point of view, or a commercial aspect, but from a far more serious point of view and that is, from a natural point of view.' It is true that the forests are the greatest magnets in the world for drawing moisture to the earth; destroy these magnets, and what must be the result? dry parched up areas, depreciation of our bird life, increase of insect pests, and hundreds of other attributes applicable to such wanton and unnecessary destruction. I have in mind at the present time a mental picture of a beautiful virgin kauri forest not many miles from Auckland, a forest of trees admired by hundreds for their stately appearance and a truly majestic sight; but alas they reign no more, for the woodman’s axe and mill machinery have reduced their magnificence to an area of short growing undergrowth and unattractive country, and has robbed the younger generation in our midst of seeing what a truly wonderful sight it is to see such stately looking trees, which have braved the elements for thousands of years, and have robbed our children of a heritage, which is and has been theirs to enjoy. The irony of it all is that the forest has 'been destroyed to send the timber to countries overseas, when if preserved it would have been an invaluable asset to our own country, and a delight to our visitors from other lands. Scientific research, has to-day created materials that are suitable to building construction, and thus has done much in relation to the preservation of our native trees, but there are other things that our Forestry Department as well as our Government could very well devote their energies to and save this country from a growing menace to our dairy farms, and that is the elimination of “ragwort.” Surely a word of warning at this present moment will stir our thinking capacity and make amends for the neglectful .policy of the Government in urging for greater protection for an invaluable asset, and the destruction of a parasite upon our primary industry.—l am, etc., KAURI. Wellington, April 9.