THE NEGLECTED RANGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19214, 31 December 1925, Page 7

THE NEGLECTED RANGES.

Sir, —The article " Neglected Range*;," published in the Herald of December 24, deserves high commendation, for it correctly states the position of this great, but " unappreciated, heritage." 1 suggest that the name of these ranges be changed from " Waitakere Ranges " to " Blue Mountains of Auckland." If Auckland was a city in America and had such wonderful blue mountains within its suburbs- the whole of these ranges would now have concrete roads and electric tramways, and be thickly populated. Just imagine a drive from Titirangi heights northwards along the Ranges to Pukematekeo Trigg fetation, above Swanson, a distance of about eight miles, all of which is from 100 ft. to 1400 ft. above sealevel. I know of nothing that can even approach this view. To the above must be added the important element found in j the change of air at this high altitude. I To the human health and wellbeing this 1 is of vastly greater importance than the views and beauties of nature combined, met with in these blue mountains. People who go from Auckland to the seaside for change, with a view to benefit in health and vigour and the refreshment of bodies and minds from the weariness and depression of the city, are only deceiving themselves, and may be compared to those who take stimulants to brace up. The pressure of atmosphere at the sea level is nearly 151b. to a square inch. This is the pressure at Auckland, and ai all seasides. Beside, at this low leve the atmosphere is charged with vapour! and other heavy gases. It is, as a rule sultry and. trying, devitalising and de pressing, especially to those not strong As you ascend higher the pressure of tin atmosphere decreases, the air become fresher and purer, and by the time yoi have reached 1000!t. above sea level yo are in an invigorating, refreshing, ant completely changed atmosphere. Thi oxygen in this pure and rareficj atmosphere, which now enters your bod; through your lungs, burns up all the iw purities within your blocd and creates hea and energy in your body. Auckland ha a great health resort at its very door i these blue mountains, but so far onlv . few haver learned to appreciate its value It is to be hoped that the majority o the Auckland public will soon learn th: lesson also, and avail themselves of th benefits offered. However, it ;s the dut; of those in authority to initiate a tor ward policy in bringing these Range within easy reach of Auckland s poor as well as rich. of . our pubh leaders can later establish a claim to hav been instrumental in effecting this, thg city of Auckland will have reason tg honour bis memory. \fi Physical Cclturist. |