Beech Forest Petition Supported by More than 110,000 Signatures

Forest and Bird, Issue 190, 1 November 1973, Page 9

Beech Forest Petition Supported by More than 110,000 Signatures

REPRODUCED at right is the formal Abstract of Report of the Lands and Agriculture Committee made to the House of Representatives on 20 July. The committee recommended that the area of virgin bush to be converted to exotics should be reduced by the Forest Service’s planting or encouraging the planting of exotics on additional non- or semiproductive land outside the existing beech forests. On the day we presented the petition to the committee it contained 88,264 signatures. We had to present it then because of the time limit we had to meet. However, signatures received within the next month brought the total up to well over 110,000; thus, 110,000 citizens signed a prayer to Parliament that no existing beech forest should be converted to exotic pines. The Nature Conservation Council left Parliament in no doubt that it did not approve of the conversion of beech to exotics. The Environmental Council in its report recommended that the replacement of virgin forest (to exotics) should be reduced as far as possible. In view of the weight of opinion against converting beech forests to exotics, we might reasonably assume that the Forest Service will plan to avoid conversion altogether; certainly we hope so.

Statistical Summary A summary of the forms as sent out to secretaries on 9 August is as follows: The number of signatures presented to the Select Committee 88,264 Before the committee’s report went to Parliament (20 July) the number had increased to 101,741

Total after additional signatures sent to Parliament since 20 July 110,492 Additional signatures received but not sent to Parliament through lateness brought the grand total to 111,834 The total rejected (through no addresses, apparently signed by people under 16), in addition to this grand total, was 4,130

It is estimated that some 16,500 signatures came from the advertisements placed by head office or branches. Since 9 August a further 1,200 signatures were received, but were far too late to be valid. The splendid co-operation and untiring efforts of so many achieved this remarkable result in a short period. I thank all concerned. —A. W. V. REEVE, Organiser.

Death of Dr Bathgate at Hastings T)R David Alfred Bathgate, well known throughout New Zealand as a naturalist and conservationist and a great stalwart of the Society, died recently in Hastings. Dr Bathgate, who practised medicine for 47 years, was engaged for a time in medical work at Otira during the construction of the railway tunnel.

He was superintendent of hospitals at Ashburton, Waihi, Thames, and the King Country before taking up a practice in Hastings in 1929. A former vicepresident of the Society, Dr Bathgate was a member of the deputations responsible for having Waipoua Kauri Forest preserved and the Urewera district set aside as a national park

In 1965 he was awarded the Loder Cup for services in the protection and cultivation of New Zealand flora. Dr Bathgate was a lecturer, broadcaster, and writer on nature conservation and was well versed in Maori customs and traditions. The Society pays tribute to the memory of one whose contribution over the years was significant and extends its sympathy to his wife and family. His many friends and associates throughout New Zealand will miss his wise counsel and advice.

Two Popular Books To Be Reprinted as One

T’HE Society’s two popular books “New A Zealand Forest-inhabiting Birds” and “New Zealand Sea and Shore Birds”, which have been unavailable for several years, will shortly be reprinted as one book, and copies are now being offered to members for $4 each. When the Native Bird Protection Society — the forerunner of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society — was formed in 1923 it was realised that there was a need for some good quality books about New Zealand birds. The Society therefore commissioned Miss Lily A. Daff to prepare illustrations for the two volumes “New Zealand Forest-inhabiting Birds” and “New Zealand Sea and Shore Birds”. Dr R. A. Falla (now Sir Robert) and Messrs L. W. McCaskill, J. C. Andersen, and A. M. Jones wrote the texts for “Forest-in-habiting Birds”, and Dr W. R. B. Oliver selected the birds and supervised the paintings. After the completion of “Forest-inhabiting Birds” Miss Daff started on “Sea and Shore Birds” under Dr Falla’s guidance. Dr Falla also selected the birds to be included and wrote the accompanying texts. Collector's Items “Forest-inhabiting Birds” was first published in 1932 and reprinted in 1948 and 1959, and “Sea and Shore Birds” was published in 1940 and reprinted in 1953. Both books have long been out of print and are now regarded as collector’s items. Consequently it was decided, as a jubilee year project, to reprint both books. After discussions with A. H. and A. W. Reed it was agreed to combine both books and to add two further plates, which brings the total number of birds described in the book to 50. The text for the two additional bird plates — the takahe and shoveller duck — has been prepared by Mr B. A. Ellis, ex-secretary of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. Mr Ellis has also, with assistance from Sir Robert Falla, revised the original texts. By arrangement with the publishers the book is to be made available at a pre-publication price of $4 and an order form is enclosed with this issue. We suggest you order your copy now.

ABSTRACT of REPORT of the lands and agricultuhe Committee of the House of Representatives made to the House on duly 20 1973 with respect to the Petition of the royal forest and bird protection SOCIETY containing 8826 U signatures. FRAYING for the preservation of Beech forests and other native forests. The Lands and Agriculture Committee has carefullyconsidered this Petition and recommends that it he referred to the Government for Consideration. The Committee considers (a) That the main objective of any South Island Island Beech utilisation scheme is the responsible use of the existing resources of land and forest and the establishment of well managed indigenous forests producing timber on a continuing basis. (b) That to achieve this objective substantial areas of exotic forests are required to complement the Beech forests. (c) That the area of virgin Beech planned for conversion to exotics be reduced by the Forest Service ■planting or encouraging the planting of exotics on additional ncn or semi productive land outside the existing Beech forests.

Il 20 JULY 1973. Noteln accordance with the ensuing Order of the House, a. copy of the Report, together with a copy of of the Petition, has been forwarded to the Government.