NATIVE BUSH.

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 11

NATIVE BUSH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Is the article under the heading 1 The Bullock Track,’ which was published in your issue of September 12 by the Amenities Society meant to bo taken seriously, or merely to bluff those who prefer not to see for themselves the unwarranted destruction of our beautiful native bush by the inexperienced gangs employed by the head of the city reserves department? I am one who cannot be bluffed, and will challenge Air Tannock. Air Fountain, or Air Simpson to prove that they have not unnecessarily cut down growing native trees and shrubs in their attempt to convert our bush into “ parks.” The stumps’, or those that have not been removed. are pointing an accusing finger at those responsible, and the evidence is clear enough. I will admit that I hav e not seen any kowhai or tree ferns cut to date—but that will come later — but I am accusing those responsible for allowing a (ire to be lighted at the base of a well-grown kowhai and badly scorching the trunk and foliage, though as Mr 'Tannock remarked, in a conversation I had with him, “ It may not kill the tree; they are very hardy.” It seems to me that until the reserves department appoints a man of more bush knowledge and one who is a lover of the New Zealand bush, this so-called “ spring cleaning ” will go on indefinitely. and over the Town Belt and hill slopes will be a mass of broom, gorse, and other imported weeds. 1 am aware, by experience, that mere letter-writing will not retard the activities of ihe “ spring cleaners,” so I am appealing to all interested to back me np before it is too late. As “ unity is strength,” so shall wc fight for our rights and those to come after ns. and not give np till we are satisfied that our beautiful bush is preserved for all iime from the onslaughts of the landscape gardener. My address may be had at the ‘ Freeing Star ' office.— I am. etc., Seplember Ifi. Ex/miukß.