INSTRUCTION IN FORESTRY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18422, 1 July 1925, Page 11

INSTRUCTION IN FORESTRY.

FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. A. scheme to encourage the study of forestry in the public schools was adopted by the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Forestry League last night, when l>r. C. Chilton presided. A committee set up 1o- consider means of arousing a greater interest in forestrf brought down tho following report:—"The committee reports that it has made enquiries, as to reserves, and other areas within easy roach of Christcluireh, suitable for tree planting by school children, and as no other reserves aro available, recommends' that application be made to the City Council, asking if they cau set aside a portion of the Bottle Lake Reserve for. this purpose, Tho committee further recommends : "(1). With a view to encouraging a knowledge of tbo importance of forestry in New Zealand among school children, an effort be made to get into touch with one teacher in each of tho larger secondary and primary schools who is enthusiastic in the matter. "(2) That an appropriate circular on tree planting with an account of j the methods adopted in Victoria, and other suitable information, bo prepared and distributed.: ■ "(3) That in order to encourage.-the pupils in the work suggested prizes b.e offered for essays on the importance of tree planting and. the preservation of existing, forests. . <; (4). That, with the. permission of the authorities controlling the schools, occasional lectures be given - at,. the schools; and a shield he offered for competition among the countrj- schools doing ''Work in connexion .with forestry." . : ■' . .

The chairman said that there were several reserves north of New Brighton, but all of them were too far away, except the one at Bottle.Lake. Mr J. 'Young ' said that about 50 acres would be required "for a start," and he thought that area, could be taken out of the new portion of the Bottle Lake Reserve, ; Mr James Deans asked'if the timber would belong to the children after they had clone the work. Mr Young: Oh, no. -it would belong to-the city. - ' "I take it that this will only be for the upper standards," said Mr \\. H. Winsor. . ' Mr Young said "that two visits .-by the school children in the planting season would be sufficient. . . The chairman stressed the need ot setting enthusiastic, teachers. It was not much use merely sending circulars to the schools. On the motion of Mr Jam.es Deans, it was decided to ask. Mr F. Tate, .Director of Education in' Victoria, who will shortly visit Ciiristchurch, to give a lecture on forestry work here. . Mr Winsor" suggested.. that the scheme should be sent to the Board of Education, and the Board should be asked to help in carrying .it out.