WAITAKERE NATIONAL PARK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22389, 8 April 1936, Page 17

WAITAKERE NATIONAL PARK

Sir, —The suggestion of a Great National Park in the Waitakere as put forward by Mr. H. E. j Vaile, is particularly commendable and will doubtless meet with the ready approval of the vast majoritv of vour J readers. Like "Physical Culturist," I too spend a lot of time in the ranges and the- experience convinces me very definitely that no district within easy reach of the city possesses the revitalising properties of the uncontaminated mountain air of the Waitakere Ranges. If one wishes relief from the enervating influence of the Auckland climate, and would, as he climbed higher and higher, feel the allpervading influences of renewed vigour, coupled with a stimulated appetite and sound refreshing sleep at night, then I would say that the Waitakeres are incomparable. Apart from the purely physical aspect, our overseas visitors have had recounted to them in advance the wonders and grandeur of the New; Zealand bush and we must at least preserve our bush-clad ranges for the delight of our visitors, otherwise, as far as Auckland is concerned, the virgin forest will appear in illustrated papers only and Aucklanders will have to travel to Waipoua or to Mamaku to be convinced that we have extensive forests in this, the largest province in New Zealand. The conception of a national park in the ranges is truly magnificent; the fulfilment of such a: scheme will be a source of untold joy to the present and to future generations and a truly fitting memorial to commemorate the centenary of our beautiful city. Sports grounds and sea beaches appeal to some, but the grandeur of the mountain forest appeals tai all temperaments and to all ages. Posterity.-