The Earth We Cherish

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 210, 5 September 1944, Page 3

The Earth We Cherish

Mr. D. A. Campbell, a member of the technical staff of the Soil Conservation Service, from Wellington, addressed members of the Palmerston North Rotary Club at their weekly luncheon yesterday. Mr. Campbell’s subject was “The Earth We Cherish.” It proved a most interesting lecture and to conclude his talk he showed members a film which, if it were possible, every citizen of Palmerston North should see. It concerned the wild life on some of America’s great plains, and from Mr. C-ampbell’s lecture it was easy to see how the conservation of our precious earth can undeniably affect the habitats of thousands of wild animals. The film showed intimate “close-ups” of these animals which, before the American Conservation Association came into being, Were rapidly becoming non-existent. Mr. Campbell mentioned various districts in New Zealand in which soil erosion was taking place and he stated that few people understood or appreciated what good work our humble bracken and manuka are doing to prevent this catastrophe of nature. “There is nothing more frightful,” he said, “than to see hillsides, once green with foliage, now showing ugly scars caused by unchecked forest fires.” He expressed his opinion that a country fire was in every way as dangerous as a city one, and that country fire fighters should be just as important as our fire brigades. Past President Professor W. Riddet, who had some knowledge of the subject, thanked Mr. Campbell on behalf of the Club. He said that every member should do his utmost to help in this important work.