THE BOUND BUSH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1736, 4 October 1917, Page 3

THE BOUND BUSH.

MR. W. H. FIELD'S IMPRESSIONS. In reply to our request, Mr IV. H. Field, M.P., has forwarded us impressions of his recent visit to the “Round Bush.” Mr Field writes: “Our visit was all too short, for we had to get back to Shannon to catch the Napier express. In any ease, however, we could not have, gone through the bush, as we would have liked, for the whole place was covered with water. We, however, were able to get a good general knowledge of the whole area of this magnificent remnant of native forest, the last to be found for many miles around. At the first glance, Mr Ell and I both formed the same decided opinion, viz., that this BUSH OUGHT TO BE PRESERVED for all time. It would be an outrage to destroy it. ■ It is a great pity the kahikatea trees at present being felled could not be saved, but apparently the wind has got too big a hold on them, and they are doomed —unless quick shelter could be planted on the western side. In any case, the cutting rights have been .sold, and there would doubtless be compensation to pay if the purchaser were asked to give up his rights. It would have been a great thing to have saved these white pine trees as well, covering as they do only about 8 acres. This area should be added to the other and preserved with the rest, for even after the big trees arc gone there will still be a luxuriant growth of the smaller forest trees, which will spring up and take their place. But I should still like to see the big while pines saved if possible. I'ilh respect to the bush as a whole, it is undoubtedly DELIGHTFUL AND VERY INTERESTING, and if preserved w 11, beyond doubt, become a valued place of pleasure and recreation for the people of Fox ton and surrounding district in the years to come. Not only the ordinary pleasure seeker, but the scientist will find much there to cater for his enjoyment. Included in our parly wars one of our leading botanists, Mr B. C. Ashton, chief Agricultural chemist of the Dominion, and one of my companions in our rambles over the Tararua mountains, and both he, Mr Ell and I were struck with the variety of forest vegetation in this piece of bush. One of the first trees we noticed was

THE OLEA MONTANA, the mountain maire, which we bad never before seen except on high levels. Mf Ashton was so interested that be intends, at an early date, to make a botanical survey of the area, with a complete list of the native plants-found there. He took a quantity of samples of soil for analysis. Not only should the present bush bo saved, by steps should lie taken to plant there other native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, so as to constitute the property a NATIVE BOTANICAL GARDEN.

We have no such institution in New Zealand, whereas in Melbourne' and elsewhere they have Tor years past been cultivating' New Zealand trees and plants in separate areas set apart for the purpose. Foxton might have the honour of taking the lead in this respect. I think it would be

A PITY TO DRAIN THE AREA dry, for there is much charm in the swamp conditions at the far end ot the bush, and pukeko, and other swamp birds would thrive there if rigidly protected. If there is no lakelet (here, and we saw none, a small one might perhaps in time bo formed and WATER FOWL (Slid a sanctuary there. With respect to the steps to be taken to preserve the bush, and the FINANCIAL SIDE of the matter, these will have consideration at once. Both the Harbour Board and Borough Council are fully prepared to do their share. But they cannot, of course, aftord to be 100 generous, for they have their own finances and ratepayers to consider. Still, though the present is*not a favourable time to look to (he Government for grants for scenic purposes, I am more than hopefuLthat with assistance and active sympathy from other local bodies, and perhaps private individuals, this splendid native forest may at any rate become a reserve for the public of your town and district, and the people of the Dominion. I shall hope presently to visit the bijsh again with Mr Ashton and Mr Phillip Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves, and also a leading botanist.