Nature the Restorer

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 109, 1 February 1935, Page 13

Nature the Restorer

Sir, —Congratulations on your article of January 29 headed “Nature the Restorer,” which was based on Dr. Oliver’s report, His statements, considering that his recent visit was his first one, were good and to the point. Ten years ago, the writer took up the saving of Kapiti. after first eliciting the support of the Wellington daily papers. All these did invaluable work toward saving Kapiti from total destruction by plant-eating animals. It. is interesting to read nowadays how'some of those who, Fen years ago, stated that no harm had been done to the forest covering by the trespassing animals, now frequently refer to the wonderful regeneration. If this can' he dene with Kapiti, why not all New Zealand forest reservations? The general theme of your article is certainly sound and instructive to the public. The Tiestroyer is, however, ever in our midst and ever destructive. In the same way, the inexperienced bird conservationist usually seeks to transfer native birds to areas where they have never been known to exist. To the writer the best plan seems to be for we New Zealanders to stop all wild life introductions and transfers, and so allow nature to reassert her balance, at the same time helping her by eliminating everything exotic, where possible, thereby enabling our native forests to return to their pristine glory as nearly as posr sible. —I am, etc., E. V. SANDERSON. Wellington, January, 29.