Message from the Hon. W. S. Goosman

Forest and Bird, Issue 148, 1 May 1963, Page 3

Message from the Hon. W. S. Goosman

Minister of Works

(in charge of Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council)

Two of the primary purposes of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council are conserving soil and minimising damage by floods. As adequate forest protection is one of the means of preventing soil erosion, this work fosters the maintenance of shelter for many of our birds. The Council also actively assists in the destruction of noxious animals, thus encouraging bird life and helping to maintain forest cover. Realising that water fowl fill an important place in the scheme of things, the Council is always happy to see farmers and acclimatisation societies developing abandoned river courses, borrow pits, or farm ponds for the use of wildlife. I recognise the great work the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society is doing towards preserving our native forests and birds. Much of this work is among young, people and has a good effect, not only in encouraging the preservation of native birds and forests, but also in developing a knowledge and appreciation of the New Zealand countryside. This is also in keeping with the objects of the Council. The invitation from the Society, to outline in this issue the work of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, is greatly appreciated. -IO -