And Yet Government Policy is to Preserve Native Timbers

Kahikatea is naturally well suited to the eco—niche it fills. It is also the tree that the White Heron lives in.

It can be seen as an extremely important part of our eco sphere. And yet Carters are (among others) putting up a case for the removal of this species, pressuring Government claiming that without the timber for its mills it would have to put most of its South and North Westland workers out of jobs. The workers that live and work in the South Westland town of Okuru were 'placed' there from the North Island! To resolve the problems generated by the millers wishing to remove the last stands of this tree a conference is to be held on the West Coast on the 27th of June. Seats have been fixed at 200 with ten going to the NZ conservation groups, a few to Government depart mints and the majority being filled by 'industry' spokesmen.