NOTES OF THE MEETING. 93 



NOTES OF THE MEETING. 



(1). THE PRESERVATION OF THE NATIVE FAUNA AND 

 FLORA OF NEW ZEALAND. 



(Read before Section D (Biology).) 



BY PROFESSOR A. P, W. THOMAS, M.A., F.L.S., 

 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, AUCKLAND. 



"The preservation of the native Fauna and Flora of New Zealand 

 is an object which will command the interest and sympathy of the 

 Australasian Association, and an expression of opinion on their part 

 may do much to forward this object. 



"The Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, appears to be a 

 suitable locality for the formation of one or more Reserves where the 

 fauna (and also the flora) could be protected from the destruction 

 which, it is well known, is overtaking so many of the rarer and more 

 interesting species. 



"The island is of little or no value for settlement as it is very- 

 rugged and quite inaccessible except in the finest weather. On the 

 other hand it would be a very suitable place for the preservation of 

 the native fauna. It is of sufficient size, being some 5 miles across, 

 and rising as it does to the height of 3,300 feet it affords a considerable 

 variety of climatic conditions. Its isolation and the difficulty of landing 

 will render it secure from marauders and from the danger of bush- 

 fires, so great everywhere on the main-land. Moreover it is still well 

 covered with mixed native forest and a number of the rarer of our 

 native animals occur there. 



" Similar reasons point to the suitability of Resolution Island, 

 Dusky Sound, for the preservation of characteristic forms from the 

 South Island. 



" The purchase of Little Barrier Island is, I believe, now being 

 effected by the Crown Lands Department, and I wish to suggest that 

 on the completion of the purchase the island should be declared a 

 Forest reserve and regulations framed forbidding the destruction of 

 the native plants or animals on the island. 



" It might, perhaps, be found desirable to give the Council of the 

 Auckland Institute some share in the supervision of the island, as 

 they have already taken much interest in the matter. 



" I wish therefore to propose the following resolutions : — 



" 1. That in the interests of Science it is most desirable that some 

 step should be taken to establish one or more Reserves where 

 the native flora and fauna of New Zealand may be preserved 

 from destruction. 



" 2. That the Little Barrier Island and Resolution Island, Dusky 

 Sound, appear to be most suitable localities for such Reserves. 



" 3. That a copy of the above resolutions be forwarded to the 

 Hon. the Minister of Lands." 



The resolutions were seconded by Mr. Geo. M. Thomson, F.L.S, 

 and were carried unanimously. 



