Forestry Expenditure.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1922, Page 4

Forestry Expenditure.

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER

WELLINGTON, July 21

A deputation from tlie New Zealand Forestry League interviewed the Prime Minister to place before him tlie views of the league in regard to the maintenance of tit forest service at a high point of efficiency. Sir James Wilson, president of tlie league, pointed out that the forest service was in the position of being the guardian of a great national asset, ami it would be false economy even in tittles of financial stress, to impair its efficiency. In dealing with the expenditure on forestry, SiSr James contended that the actual cost to the country was very small when revenues from royalties, sale of young trees, etc... wore taken into account.

Mr Massey expressed himself as quite sympathetic with the representations ; of tit league, and fully recognised the important work being done by tlie 1 forest service, while pointing out the . extreme need for economy, and re- | trenchment. He agreed that the ser- | vice was something in the nature ol an ! insurance on it valauble asset of the j State, and full consideration would be given to the representations mn(lj‘. I The deputation thanked Mr Massey, for his sympathetic reply. A THREATENED DEPARTMENT. I Ari earnest plea for retention of the Forestry Department was made by Mr Field, who bits always evinced much interest in the subject. The leader of the Opposition had suggested that tlie new Department should he absorbed into the Lands Department, on the ground that tbe expenditure involved in its administration was unwarranted. Mr Field contended that the cost c of the Department was not excessive, for although a sum of £112,000 appeared on the Estimates, the net expenditure was in reality £BOOO, as the balance had been made up by royalties oil timber cut. It was certain that in another decade forestry would be one of the most important of State Departments, lie paid ;t tribute to tlie work ol tlie director and the staff under him. The matter of course, rested with the Prime .Minister, who had charge of the expenditure, hut the speaker impressed on tlie House tlie fact that over 3000

acres of open land had been planted in trees, while another seven million acres were under control of tbe director. Tbe latter bud bis task well under control and had made :t good beginning, and Mr Field believed that the money expended would return not a tenfold bill a hundredfold.