Commissions Report on Manapouri Proposals

Forest and Bird, Issue 178, 1 November 1970, Page 4

Commissions Report on Manapouri Proposals

THE report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Lake Manapouri power proposals was released by the Government as this journal was going to press.

The Commission’s report confirms our claims that damage to the fauna and flora and scenic qualities of the lakes will be serious and largely permanent.

The Commission also confirms that the Government has legally bound itself to raise the levels of Manapouri by 27 ft, or even 37 ft, and to supply to the aluminium company all the surplus power that the waters of the lakes can produce at these raised levels regardless of whether or not the company needs this volume of power for its smelter.

Notwithstanding that Manapouri is an outstanding gem in our greatest national park, possibly the greatest single national park in the world, and that the National Parks Act pro-

vides for it to be preserved as far as possible for ever in its natural state, the Government entered into a binding agreement with an industrial organisation to raise the lake levels. It thus ignored a great Act of Parliament and the appeals of organisations and of many citizens it was elected to serve, appeals which extended over 10 years, including two previous petitions, and it made no serious effort to determine the effect on the peerless lakes of the power proposals.

At the time of going to press the Society’s third petition was still to be heard by a Select Committee of the House of Representatives. Therefore there is still time for the Government to take steps to remedy its appalling blunder. The agreement with the company makes provision for ironing out any difficulties by discussion between the parties. There is every reason now why it should invoke this clause.

N.Z. Books on Ecology

WE are fortunate that the basis of the teaching of biology in our secondary schools is an excellent textbook specially prepared by the Department of Education. Entitled “Biological —Processes and Patterns of Life”, it is a huge book magnificently illustrated and with most of its examples taken from New Zealand. On the first page it plunges straight into ecology, stresses the ecological approach, and deals fully with ecological principles. It is obtainable from the Society’s office for $9, post free.

Another large book dealing entirely with New Zealand ecology will appear in 1971. It will be published by A. H. and A. W. Reed and will be edited by Dr G. R. Williams. Director of the Wildlife Service, Department of Internal Affairs, and a noted ecologist. He has gathered round him some 17 authorities actively engaged in one or more branches of ecological research and teaching.

The same publishers have also undertaken the production of several short, up-to-date, authoritative, and readable accounts of the ecology of the principal New Zealand ecosystems. They will be well-illustrated paperbacks giving a coverage of the ecology

of whole communities and will include details of methods for carrying out ecological surveys and bibliographies of works on the identification of the animals and plants in the communities described. The editor will be Professor G. A. Knox of the Department of Zoology, University of Canterbury. Three titles will appear in 1971. They are: “Ecology of New Zealand Seashores”, by Professor Knox; “Ecology of New Zealand Soils”, by Dr J. Stout, Soil Bureau, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; and “Ecology of New Zealand Freshwaters”, by Dr Vida M. Stout, Department of Zoology. University of Canterbury.

Back Numbers of "Forest and Bird" Back numbers of “Forest and Bird” are still obtainable from head office at 10 cents each, though some are in very short supply. The numbers available are: 13, 25. 28, 37 to 40. 43. 49, 53, 58 to 62, 66, 68, 70 to 72, 76 to 78, 80, 83, 85 to 87, 89 to 101, 103, 104, 106, 108 to 119, 121 to 129, 132 to date.

Moira Cox Colour Slide Competition

AS there will be no North Island camp in January 1971, the Moira Cox Memorial Colour Slide Competition will be held at the Collingwood Camp. First and second prizes will each be a book of the winner’s own choosing and a certificate.

Slides entered must have educational value in such fields as geology, botany, and ornithology. Landscapes or slides without educational value are not wanted. Those present

at camp may describe their slides personally or attach a description, which will be read. Those not attending may post slides to Mr B. Teague, Mahia Avenue, Wairoa, before 10 January. Accompanying each slide should be a written description, which will be read. Points will be given for good photography, educational value, and presentation.

Tree Planting at Kaituna Reserve

WITH spades and elbow grease an energetic band of helpers tackled a big job of planting out trees and shrubs in Kaituna Reserve, Canterbury, in late August. For many years the Canterbury Branch has undertaken certain maintenance work at the reserve, and part of this work has included the planting of native trees and shrubs each year. The Arbor Day celebration this year was planned for 22 August, but the weather was wet and stormy. Members of the committee therefore had to organise the planting of hundreds of trees during the following week when the weather had lifted.

—M. C. CULLEN