JOHNSTON'S HILL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 90, 18 April 1939, Page 6

JOHNSTON'S HILL

SAVING THE BUSH

APPEAL BY HON. W.E. PARRY

"The citizens of Wellington will do well to ponder seriously over the chance they have of saving for the benefit of the public that fine area of bush at Karori known as Johnston's Hill," remarked the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) today in referring to the anxiety of the Government, the City Council, and the beautifying and progressive associations to see that the area is con-

served

Last week "The Post" published an article on the grandeur of the native bush on Johnston's Hill, showing that, apart from Wilton's Bush at Wadestown, it was the only area of native bush accessible by tram from the city. The article also pointed out that the owner of Johnston's Hill, Mr. C. F. Pulley, had agreed to sell the property for use as a public reserve only for £2500, but if the deal were not soon completed the land would be subdivided for building. Of the £2500 required, the City Council, with only one dissenting vote, had promised £1250, the Government had agreed to make £500 available from the domains vote, leaving a balance of £750 to be found. "I look at the threatened destruction of Johnston's Hill bush as a matter of great concern to Wellington," Mr. Parry said. "It is not that the people do not value the bush, but that they do not realise what a great loss it would be to the city if the bush were allowed to pass from sight. The Government and the local bodies have all helped to finance the purchase of the bush as a reserve for the people and all that remains for th£ completion of the purchase is the balance of the price, £750, to be made up by way of donations from the citizens themselves. I feel that people, in considering how to save Johnston's Hill bush have but to realise the loss it would be to them if the native trees in the Botanical Gardens were to-be destroyed." The Minister said that he and other citizens who valued the native bush not only as an asset but as a heritage of the people, were hopeful that a way would be found by citizens to cooperate with the Government and local bodies in saving Johnston's. Hill bush.