SCENERY RESERVATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1921, Page 5

SCENERY RESERVATIONS.

PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH THEM. AN EMPHATIC PROTEST. Strong exception was take'n at last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Tourist and Expansion League to the suggestion made to the Minister of Lands, at Mokau, on Thursday, by exsoldier settlers, to lift the reservation from certain scenic lands on the way to Mokau, and also abutting on the river itself.

It was pointed out that already there had been too much despoiliation of beautiful bush on the banks of the river that can never be of the slightest value for grazing purposes Strong and determined efforts were itfade by disinterested people in New Plymouth and elsewhere to retain this priceless asset for the preset and future generations, but other influences were at work, and proved too strong, with the result that a great deal of the magnificent scenery was wantonly destroyed. Those concerned were warned of the consequences of their action, it being shown that the river would in time become blocked as a result of the denudation of the banks. This was precisely the effect, for heavy rains and floods took place, the spoil came down and silted up the river, and logs completed the blocking, so that steamers have been unable ever since to use the waterway. The very men whose unwise and utilitarian policy was responsible for the blockage of the river afterwards strove to obtain assistance from the Government to remove the iQgs and make the river passable for vessels. Mention was made of the splendid work of men like Mr. W. H. Skinner in preserving so many scenic assets in North Taranaki, and the hope was expressed that the Government would resist to the utmost any attempt to filch these heritages from the people. The following motion vzas passed, and will be communicated to the Minister of Tourist Resorts: “This league emphatically protests against the suggestion to lift the reservation from the scenic reserves on the Mokau River, or elsewhere in Taranaki, and asks the Government to be true to its trust, and resist with all its power any attempt |to interfere with scenic assets that have been put aside for the benefit of this and succeeding generations.”