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Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1920, Page 2

The visit of the Chief Forestry In- V ; spector of the Dominion to these parts j is interesting as making another stage j in the establishment of the forestry I policy for New Zealand. Mr Hansson, the gentleman in question, takes up his duties with the reputation of a good deal of experience in the forests of the United States, Canada and Eu- j rope. Naturally he is very interesting j to meet, and sawmillers and others , interested in the industry, with whom j lie will come in contact, will doubtless i derive much general information about timbers and their utilisation. Tim For- j restry Department, Mr Hansson, ex- j plains, stands for utilisation of the j forests in a practical and economical j way. There will be conservation, but it will be modified according to eircum- -. stances of location, facilities for mar- ; keting, and means of outlet. Mr Hans- j son is quite struck with the West Coast j bush, which is more dense and extenive than his preconceived ideas of our timber country led ‘him to believe. Also, he finds the sawmills better equipped than be expected, and being worked to much better advantage than be anticipated. The country has still a good deal to learn, he considers, about the wider and more economic uses of many of its timbers. In fact the world’s timber shortage is going to be so acute in the not distant future, that. all timber is of possible use in the near distance, and it is a commodity above all, which should not be wasted. No doubt the research work' the Forestry Department must necessarily develope will afford light and learning regarding- the uses of our timbers other than those in general demand. The side series have to be developed. Other countries are doing this already, and New Zealand will find it profitable to fall into line. The standing tree is an asset which the country cannot afford to ignore, and it should be utilised to the greatest profit. It was a surprise, however to learn from Mr Hansson that reafforestation, or tree-plant-ing, was Hot considered a. foremost plank in thief Department’s present scheme of operations. The Department it would appear, relies mainly on conservation and restricted utilisation to save the timber supply over a longer term of years. This does not seem to be the Complete method of dealing with the supplies for the future, but Mr Hansson points out that the Department requires to be advised scientifically first with regard to the soils, and for this purpose Mr C. E. Foweraker, M.A., F.D.S., is about to visit the district and make a special investigation of the Westland forest . areas. Till the result of this botanical survey is available reafforestation, on any large scale will remain in the background. Regarding the waste product of sawdust, Mr Hansson does not be,--lieve it can be used to great advantage except for power alcohol. This is now being extracted in some countries successfully. In reference to the size and value of our forests, Mr Hansson says they compare more than favorably relatively, with those of Canada. He was surprised at the dimensions of the local trees, and considers the country has a great asset in its timber country well worth controlling and utilising to the best advantage. Unlike the usual expert visitor, Mr Hansson is not racing through the country. He is bent on fully investigating its timber resources and getting a good grip of the forest areas, and the methods by which they are operated. As already mentioned those connected with the industry will find a chat with Mr Hansson very interesting and informative.