WAITAKERE PLANT LIFE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 19

WAITAKERE PLANT LIFE

Sir, —In view of the fact that a proposal is on foot to create a large area of the Waitakere Ranges a national park, might I be permitted to suggest that there is need for a greater plant sense on the part of many visitors to the region. In Titirangi, in particular, I know that many of the residents are concerned at the destruction that goes on, especially at week-ends. Small plants and ferns are tugged up by the roots and then placed on the carrier of a car to wither before they can possibly grace a garden. With tho flowering season of the native clematis close at hand, public opinion should be aroused so that no person pulls down the vine in order to obtain the Btarry blossoms. Penalties for such offences do not appeal to me, rather is it a case for public education in such matters. But perhaps if some action were taken, the public would realise how important it is to preserve their forest heritage. I do not possess any property in the Ranges, but I have been a frequent visitor since 1918 and I have been amazed at the destruction that has been permitted. With reference to the rimu tree 'at Titirangi whoso fate is in the balance. It does constitute a menace to motorists as the road is at present, but by carving down the road on the opposite bank the tree could be preserved for all time. There are _ a number of rimu in the Titirangi district, but the one under discussion is an exceedingly graceful specimen, well worthy of preservation. Manuwhiri.