SAVE THE KAURIS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 65, 11 August 1947, Page 4

SAVE THE KAURIS

IN Waipoua, New Zealand possesses a unique natural national park, The last notable remaining area of an age-old kauri rain forest. This is possessed in trust not only on behalf of oncoming generations of our own people but is also a natural wonder that we should regard as in trust for the worst at large. There is now a grievous fear that so precious a heritage is being risked for the immediate gain of a small quantity of timber. There has been talk- of securing about 4,000,000 feet by logging this forest. That quantity represents about half-a-week’s present rate of consumption. It cannot be claimed that the timber secured is an absolute essential, for half-a-hundred nations elsewhere on earth managed to survive without kauri timber. The Minister responsible, as Commissioner of State Forests, has been engaged in lengthy arguments with those who oppose the policy of logging this forest. He claims that no harm will be done by the removal of dead “and mature” trees; he indeed goes further to suggest that the forests will be benefited thereby. Almost without exception, persons experienced with the felling of New Zealand forests scorn such a claim. The Minister can advance no proof whatsoever of his assertions and those in opposition can cite endless examples of damage likely to result. From all that has been seen and heard, the viewpoint must be supported that Waipoua kauri forest should be declared an absolute reserve, a true National Park, with logging operations stopped absolutely. _ .

Christian Chinese There were 200 Christian Chinese in New Zealand out of a total population of slightly more than 4000, said the Chinese. Missioner (The Rev. Cheung Wing Ngok) when he explained his work to the Wellington Diocesan Synod. Their faith meant much to them, he added, and a church had been built at Canton by Chinese who returned from New Zealand.

Shark Harpooned A shark measuring 14ft. 6 inches, which had been swimming round near the whaling station in Tory Channel was harpooned recently. It bad become a menace to the workmen at the station, so a whale chaser was sent out, and the shark was harpooned.- After a struggle of more than half an hour, during which it towed the chaser several times round the bay, the shark died.