NATIVE BUSH AT GREENHILLS

Southland Times, Issue 24354, 7 February 1941, Page 4

NATIVE BUSH AT GREENHILLS

Preservation Sought By League DANGER OF ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION Following reports of the gradual destruction of a section of native bush constituting a Maori reserve near Greenhills the Southland Progress League, at its meeting last night, decided to take action in an endeavour to have the bush preserved. The subject was introduced by the chairman, Mr A. H. Hamilton, who described the area as the last piece of native bush along the Southland coast. The Maori reserve is situated behind the site of the children’s health camp at Omaui. After a discussion the league decided to make representations to the Native Land Court for the area to be made into a reserve for all time and to send a letter to the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, together with a copy of the representations, asking for his support in the matter. “I think this league should try to have the area declared a reserve for all time,” said Mr Hamilton. “The area, which I understand is controlled by the Native Land Court, is the last piece of bush on the Southland coast and is a resting place for native birds. There are about 172 acres and the area is well worth preserving.” Mr G. Tapper said he thought it would be advisable for the league to take action. It was a beautiful bush and the ferns alone were worth the effort to preserve the area. Most of the bush at Greenhills had been spoiled and what remained should be preserved at all costs. In reply to a question the chairman said that other land was usually given to the Maori people in compensation when land reserved for Maori settlement was made into a permanent reserve.