The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, 1892. Preservation of Scenery

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 36, 10 September 1892, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, 1892. Preservation of Scenery

In Taranaki, where there is some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand, there has been formed for sometime an Association, or Society, for the purpose of preventing the destruction of such scenery by the ruthless hands of the unromantic and practical among the settlers whose sole idea is too offten that of utility alone. This Association has already done much good work; so much so indeed that even those " very practi cal persons " who were at first most violently inclined to sweep away everything before them by axe and fire, now acknowledge that the beautiful may be associated with the useful, without loss or injury to anyone. We think that this good example might be beneficially followed in this part of the country. There are very many charming bits of bush scenery which are pleasant to the eye at all season's of the year, either close at hand or further up country, and unless some steps are taken to prevent it, they are doomed to extermination before many years pass away. For instance we would urge that the beautiful native forest on either side of the FeildingAwahuri road should be saved from the danger which, we are informed on reliable authority, now threatens its existence. Apart from its inherent beauty from an artistic point of view, it possesses inestimable value to the naturalist, because the Maoris say that every known plant, tree, or shrub indigenous to New Zealand, with the exception of the puriri and kauri, may be found within its limits. To destroy a forest of such value is almost a crime. We sincerely hope therefore that a movement will be inaugurated to preserve this and other adjacent groups of the native forest. If something is not done, and done quickly, there will not be a native tree left in a few years.