Tree Culture.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 July 1910, Page 4

Tree Culture.

PINES FOR SAX I) DUXES

Among the subjects of interest treated in the address of the President (Air J. G. Wilson) to th-f runneis' Unio'ii Conl'ereiico was that el afforestation. In this branch of the work ol the Lands Departinont much was being done, be said, but there was room lor enomi!oii.s expmsiou. In 2r, years most of tin timber would be cut out, and the elfnrts they were making to provide against thalt time were on much ton small a scale. "We have plenty ot land," declared _ t.h-ei president, "we have the experience 'of h«w and what to pliMi-t, but we are nlot doiii" it. France, fat-oil with the .same difficulty changed a desolate w-aslte of sand dunes into a forest of "ines. supporting a large number of people in the various industries connected with the timber trade. Our Government has largo a reus of sand dunes quite close to the settled districts and to the railway system; bv starting a nursery in ' the district where the itra>s wore to be planted bo as to acclimatise them, and by systematically plant|ing .an arWi each year, it wtould not be long before provision for the future wouikl be made, and it would prove a profitable undertaking. The cosit, and length of time 'before returns come 111 make it impossible for private individuals to undertake this work to amy great extent. The occupiers of sea-coast runs are offered compensation for pka lifting under their lease, bint the term.s are not suffiruontlv liberal, and .as far as I k'li'OiW have not been, taken advantage of. £100,000 a year would not ho too much to spend in afforestation ; all -Miat has been spenlfc so far is tilt 'amount accruing for royalties."