FOREST RESERVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1919, Page 3

FOREST RESERVES.

“It is public poperty,” stated Mr H. G. Ell (ChristclfWh South) in the House, “that the sawinillers on the South Island- particularly, are anxious to have the reservations lifted.” Might he point out to the Minister for Lands that these forest .reserves did not belong to the people of -the West Coast, but to the people of New Zealand. He wanted to ask the Minister whether in tlie future he would consult Parliament before lifting any one of these reserevations which were made with the authority of Parliament. Mr T. El. Y. Scd<lon (Westland), said -that lie thought that the reservations mentioned were reservations under the timber regulations, and were not within the jurisdiction of the Minister for Lands, but of the Minister for Forestry The West Coast people wanted them lifted.

The Hon. D. H... Guthrie stated that be was not at all in favour of lifting the reservations on scenic reserves that had been set apart for tho use of.the people for all time. But occasions arose when thee reserves, either acculentnlyl or purposely, had been destroyed; and in such cases bo had no objection to making use of tlie land so spoilt. With regard to the suggestion that the matter should first Ibe referred to Parliament, he thought that the probability was that that would bo found cumbersome. It would not be necessary so long as we had a Minister who recognised that the will of the people should be carried out in the matter.