DESTRUCTION OF BUSH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22008, 15 January 1935, Page 11

DESTRUCTION OF BUSH

MAMAKU HILLS AREA INDISCRIMINATE CUTTING COUNTY COUNCIL'S PROTEST [from our own correspondent] MATAMATA, Monday Alleged needless destruction of native bush flanking the Mamaku Bush Road was discussed by members of the Matamata County Council to-day. Mr. M. K. Fitzgerald (engineer) said that several years ago the Forestry Department had advised the Forestry League, when a sawmill had opened, that no bush within 10 chains of the road would be touched. This had been observed by the proprietors of the mill. A number of men, however, were nowusing the bush, and many tracks cut in and trees taken close to the road. Bullocks damaged the undergrowth and where the odd trees had been cut the sun had got in ard there was now a solid mass of blackberry and • ragwort. The beauty of the bush was being spoiled and motorists could not have a bush, picnic because of the weeds. The department had later advised that the practice of indiscriminate cutting would be discontinued, but it was still being carried on. In reply to a further protest the department had stated that the statement that "irreparable damage was being done" was not accurate. In the opinion of the engineer the department had underestimated the position. One man was supplying tawa for broom handles and he was taking only the bottom loft, of a tree, and leaving the remainder as waste. Such cutting was sheer vandalism.

Mr. P. Dee urged that the council should enter a strong protest. After a short discussion it was decided to defer action until the next meeting to allow members to inspect the damage clone. After the meeting a party of councillors journeyed to the bush and found that the position was as described. Trees were being taken within a chain or two of the road and only a mile or so from the Government bush at Mamaku, where proper train tracks and rails ran throughout the area, and where there was plenty of tawa standing. The growth of blackberry, ox-eye daisy and ragwort was also noted and the danger from fire through the large amount of waste left also seen. The councillors making the trip were emphatic that the position had been accurately described by the Forestry League and that the practice of indiscriminate cutting should be stopped if possible.