Ignoble Fate of Young Kauri

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 99, 29 April 1939, Page 8

Ignoble Fate of Young Kauri

USED FOR MINE PROPS Despite the excessive cutting out of kauri forests in Northland, was is still being waged on young trees, which are used as props in mines. For that purpose many kauris, more than half a century old, have been hacked down. In an effort to check this practice, the North Auckland Forest Society has written to Ministers of the Crown suggesting that the slaughter is not necessary. “Here in the north,” it is stated, “wattle grows with such amazing rapidity that in seven years, planted from seed, it would provide suitable material for mine props. The work of planting could be carried out in the vicinity of mines throughout P New Zealand, thus saving transport costs. There would thus be provided as well an avenue for the permanent 1 profitable employment of numbers of our countrymen. ’ ’ The executive of the Forest and Bird Protection Society has adopted a resolution strongly supporting the protest against the needless short-sighted felling of the young kauris. from the churches, and from organisations co-operating with the Alliance, the annual report stated: “The figures at the last poll showed that right through the Dominion the people were beginning to see the force of the work of the Alliance, and we had the satisfaction of increasing our vote in Pal- i merston North by 300. On the total vote the increase w r as about 20,000, and < it is especially encouraging because it is the first turn of the tide for ten years. . . . There have been many complaints this year. On several occasions we have had to call upon the police and have always been very courteously treated wffien we have had to report what we believe to bo the serious breaking of the law. . . . One of our new ventures was the commencement of the Youth Temperance Groups, and there are already four in Palmerston North. We have lost the very valuable services of Rev. R. E. Fordyce, of Sanson, and Rev. M. A. McDowell, but we know that wherever they are found they will raise the atmosphere for temperance work. ...” Votes of thanks to all who had helped in the work of the Alliance in Palmerston North were included in the report, which was approved. The interim balance-sheet was also approved.