RATA TREES DIE
The dying off of a large number of rata trees in the Mamaku bush which were so much admired when in bloom by train and motor travellers to Rotorua is attributed by the Slate Forest Service to the unusually severe climatic conditions in 1939.
Writing to the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, who raised the matter, the Commissioner of State Forests, the Hon. F. Langstone, stated that an investigating officer of the department had pointed out that there was no evidence of insect attack or fungus disease to account for the dying of the rata tree-tops, but the severity of the extended winter months two years ago had had its effect on the trees. Such damage was impossible to control and no practical measures could be devised to assist the trees. However, the ratas were not killed and might recover. In any case there was an abundance of young ratas which would eventually replace those which died.
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Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 24368, 24 February 1941, Page 3
Word Count
164RATA TREES DIE Southland Times, Issue 24368, 24 February 1941, Page 3
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