Department to seek plans on afforestation

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 60, 30 July 1974, Page 14

Department to seek plans on afforestation

The Internal Affairs Department is to make representations to the Forest Service over afforestation proposals for the watershed of the Waihaha River. This action was promised recently by the controller of wildlife, Dr G. R. Williams. Dr Williams was acting as chairman of the Federation of Lake Taupo Angling, Shooting and Boating Clubs' conference with Internal Affairs officers. He also suggested that rather than relying on his department as a spokesman, the federation should make direct representation. "Speaking as an independent body is a right you should exercise," said Dr Williams. Mr Keith Draper, who had drawn the matter to delegates' attention, said direct representation would be made — when the issue became public. Mr Draper had earlier told the conference that the watershed was as vital to anglers as it was to naturalists, bird watchers, hunters and the like. The area should be left, and not cut. The Forest Service had revealed plans for afforestation, he said. While these plans did not foresee any cutting of natural timber for some 10 years, there was "rampant

rumour" that negotiations on afforestation were under way with a large timber company. A Waikato Valley Authority spokesman told the conference the authority's report on the basin recommended reserving the area. He also said that no submission to exploit the area had yet been received. This is the second public call made to protect the watershed. The New Zealand deerstalkers' annual conference directed its national executive to make top-level representation to the Government to have the land left in its natural state.