DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE BUSH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21147, 3 October 1930, Page 3

DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE BUSH.

to the eorroa. Sib,— l heartily support "Dunedin Native ” in his protest against the wanton destruction of our native' bush in the reserves of the city. At the present rate of destruction and defilement one cftn visualise its complete disappearance in the not distant future. Like many others who have 1 come from overseas, the present superintendent of reserves is apparently out of sympathy with the native-grown article and its natural beauty. This gentleman’s ability in the laying out and cultivation of shrubs, flowers,, etc., is unquestioned, and 1 for one have the highest regard for him in that respect,- but I do feel keenly the unwarranted desecration of that'which should be our sacred trust. On our glorious heritage—the Belt—(reserved for us by a far-seeing ancestry), trees have been cut out, and unsightly spaces, now overgrown -with gorse and broom, replace them. If it were absolutely necessary to cut out these trees, might I offer the suggestion that they be immediately replaced by. punga fern or some other indigenous tree. We nativeborn and thousands- of others know no more pleasing vista than that to be seen from a number of roads and tracks on the bills round the city where the bush in its unbroken, covering of evergreen foliage is undisturbed. Let me say that if prompt and effective steps are not taken a very real danger exists of losing. one of our greatest scenic assets and the unique position we hold as New Zealand’s most beautiful city. The real culprits to my mind are the Reserves Committee, who are apparently not alive to the duties entrusted them by the citizens. Let us wake up before it is too late.—l am, etc., W. D. Wilson.