DR HILL LEAVES

Evening Star, Issue 19790, 14 February 1928, Page 6

DR HILL LEAVES

PRESERVATION Of NATIVE PLANTS SCANDALOUS NEGLECT [Pee United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 14. Dr Hill, of Kew Gardens, London, has completed his visit and leaves today for Sydney. Interviewed, he remarked on New Zealand’s laudable policy of setting apart reserves, but wants to know what purpose is intended—whether they are intended merely as beauty spots for picnics, or for the preservation of native plants? If the latter, it is nothing short of a scandal that, at Toiigariro National Park, for instance, heather should have been introduced, and that goats should grow fat on the growth of Mount Egmont. He contrasts this with tile policy in Switzerland, where, he says, reserves are reserves.

He strongly condemned Auckland’s pride in its motor road to the top of Kangitoto. He had been advised by the Auckland Press not to pass judgment after an hour’s visit, but a scientist could see in ten minutes that such a road would moan the introduction of a miscellaneous collection of weeds, and then gone would be the uniqueness of Island Hill.

He considers that a botanical expert is required to advise upon policy in respect to reserves. Dr Hill will be furnishing a report upon his tour. He thinks there is a great future for flax, but a great deal of research is necessary in regard to planting the right varieties.