APPEAL BY THE WANGANUI BRANCH

Forest and Bird, Issue 137, 1 August 1960, Page 8

APPEAL BY THE WANGANUI BRANCH

Preliminary negotiations with the Tongariro National Park Board preparatory to the erection of a lodge for the Forest and Bird Protection Society have been made by our Wanganui Branch. This project has arisen directly out of the experience and enthusiasm of the recent summer camp based at the Chateau, when it was realised what inestimable value to the Society such a permanent camp would be. The Tongariro National Park is a strategic site, central, readily accessible, and offering innumerable bush and alpine walks in a superb setting. The lodge, to be sited within half a mile of the Chateau in a bush clearing by a stream, will be a permanent advertisement and reminder to the touring public of our high aims and purpose. It is proposed to erect a twenty-bunk lodge, with three bunk rooms, toilet and cooking facilities, a large lounge with an open fireplace, and a verandah facing north. The design has been evolved by tramper members in consultation with Lockwood architects. The cost, in the vicinity of £4,000, will be met by donations and loans. THIS IS A DIRECT APPEAL TO OUR MEMBERS to help build our first national lodge—a place where members can holiday in their own camp among the trees, plants, and birds they are pledged to preserve. In order that a start may be made with the lodge on Labour Day will you immediately put pen to paper and send your donation, your loan, or just your enquiry to Miss Suzanne Izard, 38 College Street, Wanganui.

HOW CAN OUR SOCIETY ADVANCE UNLESS YOU DO ?

HERITAGE DESTROYED Dr. J. T. Salmon is the author of a book under the above title dealing with every aspect of scenery conservation in New Zealand. He deals with the subject from every anglescientific, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and recreational and with the impact of national undertakings on scenery. He emphasises the need for a Nature Conservancy, and warns of the consequences if positive action is not taken. The book is expected to be available .from booksellers or . from our Society about the end of August. Price 7/6. All nature lovers should have a copy.