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Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1923, Page 2

Ok direct importance to the subject of the welfare of the timber trade is the policy of the Forestry Department. The Department it would appear, is more inclined to extend the milling industry than to set about the task ol reafforestation. Considerable areas of timber are being thrown on the market at a time when there is a tendency for the timber trade to he congested. The extraordinary competition which ensues is not likely to effect conservation methods, or the most complete use of the felled hush. On the contrary, that most easily handled, and for which there is a ready sale, takes precedence, with the result that there must ho a maximum of waste during a period of intense competition. The timber trade and its relation to the Forest Service, is worthy of close investigation, so that a policy will he pursued in which national safeguards will work hand in hand with the general benefit of the large industry at stake. When it is averred that thorn is in t.liis district double the milting capacity required for supplies, it would appear that the Forest Service should enter upon that phase of its conservation policy it was supposed, originally, to pursue. As it is, the Forest Service is “living” on the eating up of the forest assets of the conn try, while up to the present there is no legitimate effort to start the reafforestation work which is the most urgent service required for the benefit of posterity. Tf the Forest Service policy could he overhauled to This effect there would he much more public satisfaction as to the possible utility of the Department. To go on cutting out the hush, and reaping the revenue merely to sustain the Department is a most unwise course, and this drift, without any outward sign of retrieving the position, suggests that the time is well overdue when the Advisory Board contemplated hv the Forests Act should Ire set tip. The proposed Board will he a composite body representative of the Department, employee and workers in savTnilling, local Imdies and those engaged in forest produce or the promotion of forestry. This would be a body capable of very useful direction in the need for such a Board if the State Forests Service is to he organised on lines in keeping with the changing needs of the time. The Government has had upwards ol two years to set up the Board, but is moving so slowly that nothing positive in the matter is done. In the interests of the timber trade the appointment of such a Board is long overdue.

The Exhibition Council is moving lietimes in resrard to the matter of accommodation in the town and district. Tt is well to excite interest in the matter

now, for already there is a shortage observable over some week ends. Hokitika with its adjacent resorts has the opportunity of becoming a great tourist centre if the travelling public on holiday bent are properly catered for. To do'so means much extension of existing accommodation. The licensed victuallers arc going into the matter, which is a desirable first step, but in addition much more will he necesnsry if the town is to attain tin* standing it is possible to do in the matter of attractive accommodation. A building scheme must be entered upon sooner rather than later. Thu town, if well equipped with good accommodation, would he an all the year round resort where unbroken patronage would he accorded. In regard to the exhibition period, it is intended to set tip an accommodation bureau whereat information may lie gleaned as to necomniodaiton and tariff rates, and the intention is to issue a leaflet for free circulation throughout the Dominion, giving the information in advance to intending visitors. It is a wise procedure. and will pave the way to a steadly improving state of better and hotter accommodation.