PLANTATIONS AT ROLLESTON.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20497, 16 March 1932, Page 16

PLANTATIONS AT ROLLESTON.

REPLANTING AFTER FIRE DAMAGE.

MEETING OF HOLDERS. Plans for the clearing, refencing, and replanting of the plantations at Rolleston, which were burned on February 3rd, were discussed at a meeting of holders held last night. There was a large attendance, and Mr A. G. Williams acted as chairman.

Mr Williams said he was glad to see so many present, although the meeting was not so big as the one held on February IGth. The chief business of the evening would be to receive reports from the committees set up at the last meeting to examine the plantation blocks; and then to come to some decision as to what should be done with the blocks. He had, first of all, to report on behalf of the No. 1 Block Committee. It had been found that the fire had donfi considerable damage in this area. Strangely enough tho fire it seemed had swept through the trees in lanes, leaving some foliage on the sides almost untouched. It had been stated by a member of the committee, Mr C. M. Barnett, that 25 per cent, of the trees in the block would live; but other experts had said that not more than 2 per cent, of the trees would survive and grow. Mr. Williams thought that the block should bo cleared and refenced, and, possibly, some parts of it left for grazing. Mr Barnett said that he was convinced that at least 25 per cent, of the trees would recover. At the present time tho main object should be to replace only those absolutely dead. Another member of the committee said he had paid a visit to the block in company with an expert, Mr J'. Milliihamp, a well-known nurseryman. This gentleman had expressed the opinion that very few of th<j trees in the block would live

Extent of Damage. Mr J. Olds reported on the condition of the No. 2 Block. Fully 75 per cent, of the trees were totally destroyed, ho said. The commercial value of the wood in the plantation was, in the committee'a opinion, nil. They had noticed that several sections in the vicinity were covered with gorse. Holders should bo asked to remove this source of danger.

Mr J. Bentley, on behalf of the No. 3 Block Committee, stated that after inspection of the area it had" been decided to recommend the clearing of fire-breaks round the whole block". Actually 90 per cent, of the trees in this block were showing signs of rejuvenation. The fire had not been so fierce in this area as in the others, of course, It was probable that with a wet autumn and winter a considerable number of the trees would be worth keeping. Mr Barnett, commenting on the reports, said he agreed with all that had been aajd. It was a matter for the holders themselves to decide what they were going to do. Altogether there were a thousand or so trees which had been burnt three or four inches into their butts. However, it would not make much difference to the young trees if the burned ones were not cleared awav.

Future Protection. "It seems that there is general agreement to leave the trees as they are at present," said Mr Williams. A more urgent matter was Fo decide about making fire breaks. Mr J. S. Simpson chairman of the Springs County Council, was present, and 3* would be a good idea to obtain the council's view on the matter fro,m him, as the council had enquired if adequate fire breaks would be provided if the blocks werte re-planted. At present the committee had a fair amount of power under the No. 5 Scheme, and it might be wise to see if they could provide men for the work by this means. "The committee wouldd probably agree that if the plantations are brought to full fruition, it will be a fine thing for the Springs district," said Mr Williams. Mr Simpson, of the Springs County Council, then told the meeting that for some years the council had felt that there was danger of a big fire in the Rolleston plantations. They suggested that more fire breaks should be made, and that the roadways in the area could be used in this connexion. Also hedges should be well trimmed. A fire bre&k north and south would be useful. The council-could probably arrange to employ men under the No. 5 Scheme to do some work. .It was realised that the country in question could produce more in trees than in anything else. But some neighbouring farmers had thought that the plantations might prove a menace to the country-side. Therefore the Council was keen to see full protective measures taken. The chairman said the holders were grateful to the council for their proffered help. It was proposed to level the boundary lines of the plantations and put wire fences round them. It was moved by Mr Olds that a committee be appointed to meet the Springs Connty Council to discuss a scheme for gorse-clearing and fencing. The motion was carried, and a committee was set up. Some quotations for replanting the areas under review, and for contracting for clearing and fencing, were read; but it was decided to leave consideration of these to the committee, and to reach final decisions at another public meeting. The meeting concluded with votes of thinks to Mr Simpson for attending, to the chairman of the reporting committee, and to Mr Williams.