RECENT BUSH FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2136, 11 March 1908, Page 2

RECENT BUSH FIRES.

SOWING CROWN LANDS.

Press Association. BLENHEIAI, Alarcli 10. The question of rehabit,ating Crown lands, denuded by the bush fires, caused much discussion at a meeting of the Afarlborough Land Board today. An offer from a settler to sow grass on part of the State forest cut out, and on which there was a good burn, on condition that he be granted tho grazing right until the whole ■block be cut out, was declined, -and members of the Board urged that the Crown lands denuded by fire be sown, so as to prevent them from being ruined, or reduced in value, by ferns and noxious growth, hut the Commissioner demurred to the Department- undertaking the work, as ho feared that the demand for seed would raise the price on settlers. Tt was pointed out, however, that a rise of a halfpenny or a penny per pound in price was a small matter compared with the amount saved to the State by keeping the land in good condition. It- was suggested that strong representations be made to the Minister on tho subject, and it- was resolved that the Alinister be recommended to authorise the sowing of tho land cut out in the forest, and all other burnt Crown lands, as well as possible, and onen them for settlement. It was also resolved thuc in all eases where sawmiliing timber has been cut out of State forests, the land be opened for settlement as speedily as uossible, and it is estimated that 2000 bushels of grass seed are required to sow tlic Crown lands burnt in Afarlborough. •