EGMONT NATIONAL PARK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 162, 13 July 1903, Page 4

EGMONT NATIONAL PARK.

DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER OF L&ND3. 0* Thursday a deputation composed of tile Hons. "P. Kelly, W. Carncross, and Messrs Major, Symes, Jennings, and I. M. Smith, M's.H.R., waited upon the Hot). Mr Duncan in reference to the Egmont National P&k. Mr M*jor pointed out the Board which had control of the Park were - absolutely without fund?, and therefoae were not in a position to take the neoaesary steps towards the preservation of the bush that shou'd be taken. They had no funds which could be devoted to the payment of rangers, and the forest was being destroyed. Trees were felled, plants were removed, cattle Obtained access to the forest and gieat , injury was being done. The forest was ■opposed to ba a sanctuary for birds, bat, unfortunately, shooting was indulged in indiscriminately. He wished the Minister to place a sum upon the Mtimates in order to enable some steps to be taken for the protection of the forest. It was not a local question, it was national. The Hon. T. Kelly said the destruction of this bush might have far reich- > ing and disastrous consequences, as it would possibly have seiieus climatic •fleets. The denudation of the bush would Most certainly, have an effect upon the stream*. The destruction of the undergrowth, moss and ferns would Bean that the water from Mount Eguont instead of finding its way into the streams by gradual gravitation wouid rush down over bare land, create ■lips and probably floods. The rainfall was Taranaki's best asset, and as the destruction of the forest would probably affect the rainfall the question was one of vital importance. Mr Symes said shooting went on indiscriminately, and thus tbe forest was not, as intended, a sanctuary for the birds. It was an absolute necessity that rangers should be employed. Messrs Jennings and Smith endorsed what had been said by the previous speakers. The Minister for Lands fully recognised the importance of the matter laid before him. He realised the necessity _ for the appointment of rangers, tbe Government rangers having so much to do that they could not overtake the work. The matter should be worked, he thought, from the New Plymouth land office. Matters closely allied to this had already been considered in Cabinet, and a Bill wou'd probably be brought down by the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department. This Bill, he indicatad, wou <1 col lethe Government to compuisoriiy acquire scenic reserves, whether owned by Maoris or Europeans. On the speciil matter referred to bv the deputation, he would . obtain a report from Mr Mackeczie, the Crown Lmd Commissioner, New Plymouth. Some fencing would have to be done to keep the cattle from destroying the undergrowth in tbo forest. He would lay the matter before Cabinet and see what could be done to meet the wishes of the deputation.