FORESTS AND FORESTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1923, Page 2

FORESTS AND FORESTRY

FURTHER. NOTES ON THE DIR EC-

TOR’S REPORT.

MARCH, 1923

Continuing consideration of the Report of the Director of Forestry wo come now to the third recommendation ■,c). This is to the effect that “'an experimental station is ugrently needed for the systematic study and investigation of the North Island forests.” Candidly this is what might be considered necessary to a Department which lacks so much of the knowledge needed to successfully carry out its functions.

The fourth recommendation (d) is of interest in relation to a sound forestry policy. It is: “You arc again advised of the desirability of securing the dedication to forestry, and conservation of the large area of unalienated Crown forests (over 2,000,000 acres) not yet under control of the Forest authority.” This may he regarded as being in conformity with the requirements of it legitimate forestry policy, as long .as it does not mean a mere piling-tip of assets in timber resources to be realised and squandered by a "Forestry authority which has shown so little constructive work as lias the present Forest Service. If that be the ultimate objective, then it were better left as it is. It is for the Service to show by its economical control of tho State Forests and National Endowments (which have been entrusted already to ii) (hat it is THE ‘‘authority” before all others to which our unalienated forests should lie entrusted. The fifth recommendation (e) “The desirability for a School of Forestry for the training of forest- technicians and executants is still recognised; provision for instructional facilities is earnestly recommended,” is of interest. It emphasises the contention that the •Service is not tip to its business, and anv effective means of "training forest technicians and executants” an ominous word that for the poor downtrodden sawmiller and local bodv ratepayer) lias our hearty support in the true public interests. lit the next, budget we bone to deal with the remaining recommendations.