THE ROUND BUSH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1714, 19 May 1917, Page 2

THE ROUND BUSH.

HORTJCULTURAL SOCIETY’S RESOLUTION. \ At (lie annual meeting of tilt local Horticultural Society, held on Thursday, the Harbour Board's generous offer to transfer the beautiful piece of native bush at Moluiti —portion of their endowment —in exchange for portion of the borough reserve adjoining, was discussed. The subject was referred to by Mr llornblow, who was of opinion that the Society, which was directly and indirectly associated with the preservation and cultivation of beauty spots, should interest itself m. The president (Mr Jackson) said he was pleased the matter had been brought up. He was of opinion that the bush should be preserved for the pleasure and enjoyment of the public. He had visited the bush, which at present was difficult of access, and had men surprised at the luxurious plant life. The bush was within easy distance of the borough, and could be converted into a beautiful pleasure resort. It was unanimously decided to write the Borough Council urging the local authority to take advantage of the Harbour Board’s gener- 4 011 s offer and to have the bush set apart for all time for the benefit of the public. . VIEWS OF PALMERSTON'S ' MAYOR. ' •. . "X-,. “To the Editor. —As one interested in (he welfare of Fuxton, 1 feel that the citizens will heartily eu-'V dorse the action of the Harbour Board in the proposal they are making to the Borough Council to exchange the native bush for land adjoining the Harbour Board’s reserve, The Board is very much indebted to Mr W. E. Barber for his excellent report, and the inspection * made by members at his request | gave food for thought. The white j pine portion is rapidly decaying, and the Board's decision to sell same is no doubt a step in the right direction, but I consider that it would bo next to a criminal act to allow the beautiful native trees such as puketea, titoki, ngaios, etc., to be destroyed. In one portion there tire hundreds of tree ferns growing, and it this place was opened as a park (say, Anzac Park) as a memorial to our fallen heroes, it could be made a beauty spot, and would be- ! come a popular Tesort for picnics, etc. 1 congratulate you, Air Editor, on your efforts to arouse public interest in this matter, and 1 hope that it will never be laid at the door " of those in authority that the opporunity came to acquire this reserve and was lost. —Yours, etc,, J. A. A 7 ASH.” OPINION OF MR. W, 11. FIELD, M.P. MrAV. 11. Field, M.P., writes as follows; — “1 was so glad to notice your battling so valiantly for the ‘Round Bush,’ and should like to see it, and lend a hand if needed. Practically every vestige of forest in the Foxlon-Palmerston district Inm been ruthlessly destroyed, and this remnant ought to he saved for the people of this and future generations.” ' Mayor Chrystall has made a careful inspection of the bush, and shares the same opinion as other prominent citizens that the bush should he taken over by the Borough and converted into a public pleasure reserve. The Council will meet at an early date to consider an equitable basis of exchange. .Mr Uennessy, Chairman of the Harbour Board, also Board members, are anxious to treat the Council in a generous manner, and to provide the Foxton public with scenic reserve second to none in the ■ district. It now only remains for the Council to meet the Board in a similar spirit to ensure a satisfactory transfer.