Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1920. EMPIRE FORESTRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1920. EMPIRE FORESTRY.

Forestry matters have taken a hold of the imagination of the people of this Dominion. New Zealanders are not singular in this respect, for the war, amongst other things, drew marked attention to the world’s shortage of timber, and most countries are turning more than passing attention now- to the replenishing of supplies in some form or other. Apropos of the subject, the questions presenting themselves have' had' serious and earnest consideration at Home. Important resolutions, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching results on the forestry of the British Empire, were passed at the British Empire Forestry Conference held in London in July last. These resolutions have now been issued as a White Paper and below are givon the main points of the conference's recommendations. As to a forest policy, it is resolved that, in view of the great importance to the Empire as a whole as well as to each of its component parts, of producing a sustained yield of all classes of timber, and of encouraging the most economical utilisation of timber and other forest products, and of maintaining and improving climatic conditions in the interest of agriculture and water supply, each of the Governments of the Empire should lay down a. definite forest policy to be administered by a properly constituted and adequate forest service. Systematic research work is, of course, absolutely essential, and in this connection it is considered that the chief problems can conveniently he divided into two main branches, viz, the growing of forest crops and the utilization of timber and other forest products. It is I also declared that the State is primarily responsible for forestry research work and if that principle be accepted the further principle of State control and subsidy follows. An important point laid down is that the salaries and status of research officers should be such as to attract and retain the • services of the most highly qualified men. This research work may he carried out either diroctly by the State, through its own officers, or through the medium of the universities or other institutions, associations or individuals. In dealing with the United Kingdom, the Conference suggests that requirements would he met by the establishment of a research institute to deal t with problems connected with the growing forest crops, and a research organisation which should include a central institute to deal with problems connected with the utilzation of forest products. Other suggestions dealing with the satisfying of the requirements of our oversea Dominions arc added. Great importance is attached to forestry education, and the Conference are of opinion that the imparting of this education should be the primary duty of forest authorities throughout the Empire The Conference strongly support the recommendations for the constitution of an Imperial Forestry Bureau as follows: (1) To collect, co-ordinate and disseminate information as to (a) forests; and matters arising out of, or oi’ incidental to, the growing of timber and other forest products; (b) the resources, utilization, consumption and requirements o timber and other forest products. (2) To ascertain the scope of existing agencies with a view, to avoiding unnecessary overlapping. (3) To devise means whereby existing agencies can, if necessary, be assisted and improved in the accomplishment of their respective tasks. (4) To supplement these agencies, if necessary, in order to obtain any information hot now collected which may be required for the purposes of the Bureau. (5) To advise on the development of the forest resources of the Empire or of particular parts thereof, in order that such resources may be made available for the purposes of Imperial defence or of industry or of commerce. The foregoing recommendations will receive, no doubt the careful attention of the various Governments of the Empire—our own in particular, seeing that there is a. now Department here taking up the work nationally. Tito conference lately held at Home is hut the commencement of the soli elite for Empire forestry, as the next meeting on the subject is to be held in Canada -in 1923. Later no doubt we may look for this important conference to meet in New Zealand, when the forests of Westland should attract the interest and conoorn of Empire experts.

While all the world is grappling with the financial issues of the day, Russia is recorded as being the exception, and is reported to be doing without tnotieyi Goods and services seem to be free. This is arcadian surely—as long as the goods and the services last. But who and how is the supply to be kept up, and on what are the services to be maintained? Russia’s condition becomes hopelessly mixed as she pursues her way to self-destruction. It is very satisfactory to be able to do without money, but it cannot prove convenient in the end. Apparently there is not any system of barter, so where is there the profit in production, and without production does not chaos loom ahead. The essence of production is the striving for reward—the profit; and if this is not forthcoming total dislocation of industry must follow. The leadership of Russia has been much in question of late, but this latest free-for-all movement will simply drive the country to hopeless disaster. Already starvation stalks the land, and without production going forward a desperate situation is made more critical still. The new order of events in Russia brings the science of finance and law of exchange into prominence. Apparently Russia has given up the idea of issuing paper money, and is, leaving the law of demand to be met by the people taking or using what they may require, and giving nought in return. This is grotesque and spells sheer national bankruptcy, and if persisted in the annihilation vof the people. For it is manifest supplies and services cannot continue ad lib, and with exhaustion of stocks and wearing out of services the dead end is reached. There is a popular saying that “money is the root of all evil,” hut it is so indispensable to life and living that the wag has added “the want of it is the whole blooming tree.” (ft tfe production which keeps the wheels of progress in motion, and any scheme which limits production, and any plan which restricts the 'turning out of goods means that there is so much less for everybody to use, and the position can only grow worse. Russia from ia.ll accounts is galloping „in that direction, and there are worse days than ever aahead for the Russians if the present policy is to be pursued.