TREE-PLANTING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2753, 24 April 1916, Page 4

TREE-PLANTING

In another part of this issue ■ we publish a comriiunication from Sir James G. Wilson, dealing with our dwindling timber supplies. Tho position has so serious that it ought to receive attention even fin war time. The facts stated amply justify the contention that the timo for well-considered action lias comeSir James tells us that unless immediate steps are taken , to plant considerable area's, futuro generations will require to import all the timber used in New Zealand.- .'No; one can pretend that the timber supply problem has so far been given the consideration that its great importance deserves. It must be dealt with in a consistent, comprehensive, and thoroughly' "scientific manner. The Government has not entirely neglected the matter. 'Valuable information was collected by the recent Forestry Commission, but very little .has to far been done to give effect to its suggestions, and the work of planting is proceeding very' slowly. Sir James Wilson recognises that tho Government can hai'dly be expected to give adequate attention to the question of reafforestation u.ntil the war is ovor, but ho is anxious to make the public understand the true position, and to prepare for the'time for vigorous and systematic action which will soon come. He wants to create a strong force of public opinion which will impress upon the Government the necessity of doing its duty as far as the maintenance of our timber supplies is concerned. Wo commend Sir James Wilson's communication to the earnest attention of tho public and the Govern-

menfc.