JUST WORDS—OR DO THEY MEAN IT ?

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 73, 27 March 1934, Page 8

JUST WORDS—OR DO THEY MEAN IT ?

Scenic reserves have a value to people generally, not merely (as" recent correspondence might suggest) to train travellers—although .the Railway Department might yet be expected to feel "a special interest- in preserving the hush by its lines. But the immediate need, if the defence of the reserved bush is to be undertaken in';a ;generalvway,:is;'mpney; and the money will not be f orthcornirjg unless the Government:is confronted with.a public opinion .determined to protect bush and bird from axes, fires, deer, and;from;.whatever/ threatens." The prime need is cultural advance among the people. "If there is a- real; love (not merely, words) for a block of bush and its bird life, people will actively protect it from axe, and fire, will reason with adult and juvenile vandals, and will subscribe not less than half-a-crown a year to some organisation whose business it is to protect wild Nature, to educate the public, and to impress Ministers and politicians. If there were sufficient writers, workers, and payers—not mprely in one district but in all districts—the urge to protect trees and birds (one of the most important measures of a people's culture) would spread to such an extent that Government money at least equal to supplying a £1000-a-year inspectorate -would be forthcoming, and private benefactions like the Bruce Trust would increase. By process of attrition—one little fire justifying a wholesale, demolition—the reserves will,vanish if apathy reigns, and1 another obligation to posterity will be. dishonoured.