AFFORESTATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 115, 8 February 1919, Page 6

AFFORESTATION

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICER'S VIEWS. By Teleitraph—Presi Awociat^n. Christchurch, February 6. Before tho Scieuco Congress to-day Mr. W. Ct. Morrison, of tho State lorestry Department. Hanmcr. Springs, read a . paper on "Natural Afforestation- m tho Xlouiilnin Area of Now; Ho said that up to the present time the planting of trees on a-largo scale in New Zealand had been confined mainly to on altitude of considerably less than 2000 . feet, and no effort had been made . to establish forests<according to the methods of nature, namely, by naturally-sown seed? from small groups of trees,.or even from isolated individuals. He said there lvas no doubt as to tho best method of conducting" afforestation'. 11l tho science of forestry, more than in any other science, long views were necessary a? tlio , litial harvest was not reaped for many years after the sowing, perhaps riot for forty,'fifty, sixty, or even- a hundred', years, buit tho returns were rich, and no more profitable proposition could be undertaken by tho State. Ho suggested that, to meet tho conditions of the scheme a clause might bo inserted in any leaes ; covering liigh country reserving, the right of tho St.ito to plant trees for natural . regeneration 'purposes over all areas at altitudes of .'JOOO feet or 3500 foet and' over. It war. fairly certain that that • would not jntorfero. with profitable pas- ; (oral country. Tlio scheme certainly re- . commended itself on the ground of ecoU' omy, combined with efficiency..