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Forest and Bird, Issue 31, 1 October 1933, Page 1

F T ERE in New Zealand we are faced with a forest problem unknown in Zealand we are faced with during problem unknown in an)) other country. For, during countless years, no plant-eating animals roamed in our forests. A forest therefore was evolved which cannot resist the attacks of deer and their like. Yet such animals have been purposely introduced into these time-honoured tree communities, and now as an agents of destruction are present in their thousands. Our forests represent vast present and potential wealth. First of all they supply us with necessary timber. Then, they prevent that devastating rush of water which leads to floods, erosion and the burying of fertile fields with stony debris. They conserve moisture and regulate the fivater supply in our rivers. In short, their importance for both our great farming community and our city dwellers cannot be over estimated. But, if the ever increasing destruction by plant-eating animals goes unchecked, our priceless forests are doomed. Even were it possible to replace them by replanting, that would cost millions of pounds and be a very slow process. Apart from their inestimable commercial value, our forests are true New Zealanders and the proud heritage of every New Zealander, for out of their 283 jf/nc/s of trees and shrubs not more than 1 0 kmds are found wild in other lands. They possess the richness and beauty of the famed tropical forests. On them, 100, depends the unique character of our world famous scenery. Destroy these forests, and the hope that New Zealand will become a great tourist resort is gone for ever. Gone, too, will be our delightful bird life.