TO PRESERVE OUR FORESTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2822, 13 July 1916, Page 6

TO PRESERVE OUR FORESTS

AN ASSOCIATION FOKMED. In consequence of a suggestion thrown out by Sir James Wilson .(chairman of the Council of Agriculture), u meeting of subscribers ana others interested in tho formation of a Forestry Association was held at the Chamber of Commerco last evening. _ Sir James Wilson presided, and there were about 60 present, including several members of Parliament. Mr. D. ii). Hutchins, Jy.K.U.S., late Director of Forestry in South Africa, and who is at present reporting on the forestry in New Zealand to the Government, wjvs also present. Sir James Wilson expressed (satisfaction at the number present, and he took it that they all fully recognised tho importance of tho subject, and the need for such an association as ho lmd suggested. A Commission had investigated the need, of afforestation in the past, and a very valuable report had been drawn up. Unfortunately, .however, very little had re'fiulted. W pointed out that in most other countries, similar associations as that mooted wore already in existence, and were doing invaluable work. ' He felt sure that the present was the ..very time to commence the important and necessitous work. ''It is obvious, - ' said Sir James Wilson, "that we cannot rely upon the Government to carry ont the work they ha.ve done practically nothing. He thought it was essential that a Forestry Department should be set up under trained and qualified men, and the task faced immediately. He moved, and it was carried, "That this meeting is of the opinion that a Forestry League be established." It was decided that tho name of tho league should be the "New Zealand Forestry League.'' It was resolved that the ladies and gentlemen who have subscribed find those who enrol at present, be the original members of the association. The following committee was elected: Sir James Wilson, Sir Walter Buchanan, Eon. D. Buddo, Messrs. W. Ferguson, K. Reynolds, B. Chambers, J. Deans, W. D. Hunt, E. Hall, A. Leigh-Hunt, and A.| H. Cockayne. Mr. D. Hntchins read a very interesting and instructive paper on Forestry, an outline of which is reported elsewhere.