FORESTRY COMMISSION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1711, 31 March 1913, Page 4

FORESTRY COMMISSION.

INSPECTION OF SOUTHLAND FORESTS. - , Tho members of tho Forestry Commission, which comprises Messrs.-1). 11. liasyards (chairman), F.R.G.S., Commissioner ■ Crown Lands, and Chief Surveyor for tho Westland, Land District; T. W. Adams, of Greendale, Canterbury; S. J. Clarke, of Ponsonby, Auckland; L: Cockayne, F.K.S., Christchurch; F. Y. Lethbridge, of Pending; and",C. P. Murdoch, Auckland, who have been touring tho South Island, arrived back in Wellington on Saturday owning by the Pateena from Nelson. The Commission left Wellington for Invercargill direct on February 28. Upon arrival there they motored through a large portion, of Southland, examining tho Crown Forests; On March 4 a public meeting was held at Invereargill, and the following day tho party examined tho Government plantation at Tapanui. From there tho party visited. Dunedin, iind inspected tho council plantations and also private plantations, after which a public meeting was held, where evidence was taken. Tho Commission then proceeded to Otago Central, where the Government plantations were inspected, and then they proceeded to Cromwell, and • from there they motored into the M'Kenzie Country. On the way to Timaru tho M'Kenzie Country plantations were examined, and a number of private plantations on the Canterbury Plains were visited, and the party then proceeded over Arthur's Pass to Westland, where a-public meeting was held and evidence was taken. Hokitilca, lioss, and the Aralnira Valley were next visited, thence Eeefton, and by motor' the party proceeded up the Bullei- to. Glenhope station, where, tho train was taken to Nelson. There the.Commission held a public meeting, and on Friday last they proceeded by motor to Blenheim, where an inspection of tho _ Government plantations and scenic and climatic reserves was made. A public sitting was held on Saturday at Blenheim. The Commission will meet in Wellington to-doy to., mako arrangements for tho North Island itinerary It is probable that they will loava for Rotoruu, via Napier and Tanpo on Wednesday next. The hearing of evidence in Wellington will not tako place until after the' North Island tour has been completed.