Tararua Mountains

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 174, 20 April 1937, Page 11

Tararua Mountains

Sir, —I read with pleasure the report of the action of the Wellington Tramping Club, as it appeared in your journal of April 17. As one of the organisers (the late Mr. T. M. Drummond and myself), of the first Hector Tramping Club, I still take great interest in the doings of the present clubs, which are trying to have all the Tararua Mountains created into a public park. This would tend to preserve the flora and fauna of these beautiful mountains. In my time, with the late Mr. Shanly, I procured posters, issued by the Commissioner of Crown Lauds (Mr. James McKenzie). It provided for the protection of the country from trespassing of horses, cattle, etc., or persons catching, shootin, or destroying animals thereon, or felling trees, lighting fires that do damage to trees. I procured a number of copies of this notice, printed on calico, and nailed them up on trees from Mt. Reeves to Mt. Alpha. But it is some years ago that I did this, and now it is pleasing to see a public interest taken in the endeavour to preserve this valuable asset for all time. Certainly it must not be solely for the purpose of tramping clubs, although it is through them notice has been drawn to the necessity of the preservation of the bush thereon. I am sure if the general public had access to Mt. Hector it would become a world’s resort, but for want of accessibility many are barred from seeing it. From it, Mt. Egmont can be seen in all its glory towering up bove its compeers, permanently capped with snow. Then look southward and see the high peaim of the Kaikouras showing up their white peaks across the straits. Then again turning to the eastward and see the Wairarapa Plains and townships, and the lesser mountains covered with green foliage. Again, look to the west, and see the ocean in its vastness.

I trust that the powers that be will take up the lead given by these clubs and preserve this large rea for the benefit, not only for the Wellington province, hut for all New Zealand and visitors from across the Tasman Sea. As Sir George Grey would say, “For the unborn millions.” As one now well over the four score years, and unable to travel as of yore, t prnv that others of a younger generation will be able to avail themselves of the glories I have indicated above. After my time Mr. Vosselcr has been a great moving spirit, and I trust that Mr. W. 11. Field will continue the endeavours to protect the scenery and help those who are not trampers to view the above and inhale the invigorating atmosphere of the mountains. —I am. tc., MARK MAXTON. Grey town, April 19-