FORESTRY BUREAU

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 257, 24 July 1920, Page 7

FORESTRY BUREAU

A CREATION RECOMMENDED BY EMPIRE CONFERENCE DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS ißy Telegraph-Prcsi Aasociation-Ooryrlght (Ree. July 28, 8.30 p.m.) London, July 22. The Empire Forestry Conference has concluded. It will meet in Canada in 1923. The conference unanimously recommended the creation of an Imperial Forestry Bureau to collect, coordinate and disseminate information; the Members of the bureau to be appointed by the Imperial, Indian and Dominions Governments; the cost to be ,£IO,OOO yearly, apportioned one-fourth each to Britain, India, tho Dominions and the Colonies. Britain would bo asked to contribute .£SOOO immediately to cover the preliminary expenditure. Mr. Lane-Poole proposed an Imperial Forestry Association on the model of tha Australian Forestry League. This was agreed to. Mr. Edward Lucas (Agent-General for South Australia) proposed the gratuitous distribution of forest plants throughout the Empire, similar to the South Australian system.

Mr. Lane-Poole opposed the proposal, declaring that the West Australian experience was that the recipients 6old tho free plants, and tho Government wan therefore compelled to charge the cost price of plants. Mr. Mackay (memben of the Victoriau Forests Commission) stated that Victoria and New South Wales had a oiuiilar experience. Mr. J. M. Hunter favoured a gratuitous distribution, although - Queensland heretofore had found it unnecessary. The conference \iltimately resolved to recommend the distribution of plants, leaving it optional with each Government whether it was gratuitous or at cost price. Mr. Mackay, in nn Interview, paid an enthusiastical tribute to Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson .for the success attending his forestry experiments at the. Novar Estates, Ross-shire. Mr. G. G. Leveson-Gower, Chief Commissioner of. Forests, paid a similar tribute to Sir Ronald Manro-Ferguson as one of tho most patriotic pioneers of the forestry industry in Britain.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.