THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1949 THE PRESERVATION OF WAIPOUA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4106, 28 February 1949, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1949 THE PRESERVATION OF WAIPOUA

In the wording of their resolution concerning Waipoua kauri forest, the delegates to the Pacific Science Congress have left little room for doubt that the scientists of this and other countries will look with disfavour on any interference with the existing forest. Not only have they emphasised that the forest should be kept intact, but they have stated that it should be surrounded by a zone which would act in a protective manner to the forest itself, but which would also enable the forest to retain to the maximum its natural environment. The congress has also drawn attention to the fact that this particular forest is “ a sample of unique plant association, of which there is no similar example in existence.” This endorses the view expressed some years ago by the late Dr. Cockayne when he said that “the kauri forest is the only plant-association of the kind to be found in the world.” In addition to the scientists’ urge that this forest should be preserved at all costs, there has been marked opposition by the lay public to the Government’s former suggestion of milling parts of the forest. Details of the campaign to bring to' the notice of the Government the feeling of the general public on the subject, were given in Paeroa on Thursday by Mr L. Gotz in a particularly interesting address, delivered at the weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club of Paeroa.

How keenly the people felt on the matter was shown when Parliament received a petition, signed by 47,000 people, praying that the forest be preserved in its entirety as a national reserve. Some thirty organisations were represented in this petition—the largest that Parliament had received for 20 years. Meanwhile all milling work at Waipoua has been suspended, and the Government’s final decision as to the future of the area is awaited. Those organisations and individuals who have worked so hard in the past ye’ar or two for the preservation of Waipoua will be gratified that the international science congress now in New Zealand has upheld their contention. The next step is for the Government to take the necessary action to ensure that this unique kauri forest is maintained intact for all time, and it is to be hoped that Cabinet will show . the same expedition in this respect that it showed when establishing the takahe sanctuary a few months ago.