THE KAURI

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 148, 29 August 1941, Page 4

THE KAURI

PROFESSOR T- R. Lancaster's advocacy of the regenera- ' tion of the kauri forests of the Auckland province merits support. The kauri tree probably migrated along the ancient land bridge which connected New Zealand, with Malaya, and in its southward migration the kauri appears to have reached its limit in the- region, of Pirongia Mountain, in the Waikato Valley. Its life, too, appears to have lengthened the further south that it established itself, for in Fiji the kauri reaches maturity in about six hundred years. Professor Lancaster pointed out "that although the growth is scarcely fast enough to make it profitable from the point of the individual, from the point of view of the State, and on land of no particular value for farming, encouragement of the kauri should be undertaken." Much of the waste gum lands of the Auckland province are not suitable for the growing of pinus insignis and such-like trees. But the same lands could produce the ka,uri, which is native of them, and while th'is species iis slow in reaching maturity it is claimed by some that it is one of the fastest of wood producers. The value of kauri forests as a surface cover to prevent erosion, and excessive radiation and consequent evaporation of water in the soils), should not be overlooked, particularly by a community which is contemplating drawing future supplies from as far afield as Lake Taupo. The use of the kauri prior to maturity is another matter to be kept in mind. It will possibly remain a problem for future generations, but that should not be allowed to stand* in the way of the regeneration of the kauri forests being undertaken in the near future.

Bees Getting Busy. Honey bees have been encouraged to buzz outside their hives because of the recent spell of warm spring weather that the YVhakatane district has enjoyed. During the winter the bees have been in their hives, but uow they will be looking for the nectar in garden flowers and willow catkins until the white clover begins to * bloom.

One-Armed Footballer. One of the most outstanding footballers taking part in the primary schools tournament for the Tai Mitchell and Boynton Memorial Shields has only one arm. He is a member of the Whakalane team and a forward and his display in the games on the Domain was: really remarkable. He handled the ball well, ana generally, displayed excellent control.—Times.