NATIVE BUSH.

Evening Star, Issue 22146, 28 September 1935, Page 21

NATIVE BUSH.

TO THE EDITOjR. Sir, —I was greatly amused when I saw the photograph in the ‘ Star ’ on Thursday showing twisted and leafless fuchsias. It appears to mo that the article was only published to bluff the public. If Mr Tannock was well acquainted with the habits of native bush bo would have observed that the fuchsia very seldom grows up straight, even in open bush, and at this time of the year it does not bear any leaves. It is absurd to try to bluff the public (especially natives of this country) into believing that the undergrowth has wrought such fantastic curves and twists to the trunks of the fuchsias. All the articles and photographs which have been published only make me more determined to try to put a stop to this disgraceful mutilation of our beautiful bush; but I fear that if the bush lovers amongst ns refrain from helping to do something practical in this great cause we shall have our fair city and suburbs totally denuded of native bush, and in all probability imported trees and shrubs growing in its place. Trusting this letter will help to raise the indignation of the citizens practically born and bred amongst Dunedin’s, greatest charm.—l am, etc., Native Digger. September 27. TO THE EDITOR. . Sir, —Three years ago the late Dr Riley, who-was a keen advocate of the preservation of our Native bush, along with myself and others, put up a big fight to try to save that lovely patch of bush above the George street bridge and on the Pinehill road, but it was all of no avail, although we were assured by those in power that onlv the undergrowth would be removed. What meets the eye to-day? A few bare, gnarled trunks, a mass of thistles, couch grass, and weeds of all kinds. Then turn to the Woodhaugh Reserve. Its destruction is in progress, sawing, chopping, and burning going on all day. A lovely little sylvan patch on the left-hand side which not long ago was most beautiful is now an offence to every bush-lover. The much-abused Muhlenbeckia has been cut at the roots and now hangs in a dekd, unsightly mass. Then look at the heights ahoye the bullock track, on the Gardens hill from Leith street to Dundas street. Wherever you cast your eye the same awful fact is forced home—utter spoliation—and the same fate is now in store for our Town Belt. And what redress have we got? None, so far as I can see. It seems hard indeed, after all these years, that our children have to be robbed of their heritage. And after all, why should one man or any body of men’ go in direct opposition to the will of the majority of the citizens? I think the Amenities Society might help us if it called a public meeting, formed a deputation, and waited on the council. The sooner this is done the better. It is no use locking the stable door when the horse is stolen. The last 50 years I have made a study of the Native bush, and it is an utter fallacy to say that the Muhlenbeckia kills the trees. It is old Mother Nature’s way of protecting and providing shelter. I have also proved that to interfere in any_ way whatever with our Native _ bush is to ruin it_ completely. This creeper dies down in the winter and comes up in the spring a glorious mantle of green; and to my mind its destruction is a crime.—l am,, etc., Muhlenbeckia. September 27.