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Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1921, Page 2

We have felt impelled from time to time of late to refer to what appears to he the extravagant outlay on the part of the Government in respect to the management and control of the State Forests. A new and very expensive system of c ontrol is being introduced j a new development in fact has been created, and this is being developed as a very special part of the public machinery. It will be interesting to note what the new Deparment is costing the country at a time when funds are depleted, and money is not available for roads and bridges urgently required. The following are the receipts of the Department in actual revenue for the past three years:-

1918- 7529 1919- 8,513 1920- 19,697 35,739 The cost to the country to earn this income has been as follows (omitting interest payments) £ 1918- 41,343 1919- 66.819 1920- 79,551

In addition to the foregoing £11,501 had to bo paid out in interest over tli,. three years, and to finance the account, £171,900 had to he found in loan money. Over £57,000 per annum had to he found in borrowed money to keep the Department afloat. When less than £40,000 per annum was the average annual expenditure for tho Mines Department, there is a. relative comparison which our readers will appreciate as showing where the money goes, and how an important industry like mining is being starved to foster the whims of those directing for the moment the new development.