PREVENTING EROSION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 92, 24 July 1945, Page 2

PREVENTING EROSION

PROGRESS IN SOIL SAVING RESULTS OF CONFERENCE "Very satisfactory progress in the field of soil conservation was 'revealed in the recent three-days' conof members of nine Catchment Boards an-'l the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council," states the Minister of Works, the Hon. R. Semple in a review of the results. The statement mentions that a clear understanding was reached on the important matter of research which will be controlled by the Council in accordance with provisions of the Act. The Council will distribute research information to Catchment Boards which will in turn sen|d information gained locally to other Boards and to the Council. It was agreed that Catchment Boards should carry out on their own behalf local investigation and experimental work and in particular the practical demonstration of conservation practices. It is the Council's lijm opinion that such work is a Catchment Board function, but the Council must be fully informed of what work is contemplated under this heading and subsequently supplied with any information Avhich will Ijc of value for other Boards. It is the correct function of a Board .to bridge the gap between research and. het farmer. On the other long term research necessitating a permanent organisation, and distinct from experimental and demonstration projects j is the function of the Council,. It was agreed that a scheme for. the training of Soil Conservators should be introduced and that as far as possible preference should be given to returned servicemen in selecting suitable applicants. The basic requirements, should be a training in agriculture and field experience would be essential following a University course. The necessity for careful selection of men to ensure the right type to obtain the goodwill and co-operation of the farmer was emphasised. Assistance by way of bursaries was such payments to be from educational funds and not be a charge on boards. In the subsidising of works the Council will continue to deal with each case on its merits, having in view the capacity of the ratepayers to contribute, the financial jjosition of a Board antl all relevant factors. There was discussion on the value of tree-planting on hill country farms as a means of increasing carrying capacity and reducing erosion. The need for helping farmers financially in the provision of fencing material and trees, and of giving thein expert advice in planting for erosion control was emphasised. In regard to marginal lands, it was agreed that surveys should be made either by the Department concerned or by Boards with the object of having all land unsuitable for production set aside for reafforestation, but the staffing position was such that the work could not be! undertaken at present. Opossums, which do serious damage to native forests and plantations, came in for general condemnation. It was resolved unanimous r ly that this pest should be completely exterminated. The Boards were in general agreement that the destruction of deer and other animal pests throughout the Dominion should be controlled by the Department of Internal Affairs. It was suggested that Catchment Boards should have a small team of men to work their districts in conjumv tion with the Internal Alfairs Department after the main, body of cullers have passed on. The rating provisions of the Act were jdiscussed at length and also the difficulties involved in the classification of land. Opinion was strongly in favour of Boards being authorised to strike a general rate limited in amount and on a uniform basis for general works purposes. For major and special works the existing provisions of the Act for rat r ing on a classification basis should remain.