Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1923, Page 2

“Onck in a while the sun shines out, and the arching sky is blue.” So said a painter when describing a gem from his brush. And once in a while ihe For-esit Sciivieo—never wholly had—can at least attempt the right thing. Wo must again turn to the ‘‘Grey Rivor Argus” as the source of supply of the precious action which wo foci disposed to applaud as something in the long last lor the service to attempt in Westland. The newspaper repoi t goes oil to say : A commencement is to he made next week with the planting of about--90.000 exotic trees on flic experimental area established by the State Forest Service, oil the Hokitika-Koss Koad. The area to he planted is about 150 acres in extent, representing about- 000 trees to the acre. The planting operations should occupy about one month’s time, providing the we a then conditions remain favourable. This is the first attempt at re-afforestation made by the Stato in this district, and should mark a very important step in the history of tile progressive policy of the State Forest Service. The Service intends to vigorously prosecute this work, and experiments on a large scale will ho conducted with the object of ascertaining the most suitable species for this district. The policy of returning a portion of the proceeds of the sale of timber in the production of timber is one that must appeal ito every rightthinking member of the community. Of the many forms which a nation’s natural heritage may take, there is liono so valuable as forests. Precious stones and metals may bring riches, but, exhausted, they cannot be replaced. No art of man can induce Nature to reproduce mineral wealth that has l>een removed. But forests, unless wantonly destroyed, may go on reproducing themselves for ever—a never failing source of wealth and an ever present* asset to the community possessing them. The results of these experiments will he watched with very great interest indeed, and from the nature cf its climate, this district is essentially well adapted for the growing of timher and will be the means of turning large areas of our useless land into a state of productivity Marvellous! But why have delayed so long in setting about this useful task?

As is his custom. Aft Lloyd George tbits off very aptly in his criticism of the. true situation presented by the GraecoItalian affair. It is “the big stick” over ogani, and it is going to bo- ! come a question whether might is io lie right every time. Germany tried >t., and failed; but in the failing, brought universal disaster upon Europe. Franco is trying the same tactics iu Germany now, but is not making much headway, and in the purpose is straining relations with Britain. Italy with its rough and ready Premier, who Sirooks no interference, has set about a like task, and threatens in addition to set the League of Nations at defiance. There is the making of a disaster no less extensive than that v'lnch overtook the world by Germany'.- piccipitate action. All sorts «.f goxl advice is being tendered to Italy .•■lnch, so far, shows no sign of relenting Indeed all good advice is resented as being prompted, in Italian opinion, by enemy leanings.. Surely Italy cannot J

consider Britain antagonistic to the best interests of Italy, after what British forces did for Italy in the war! But international feuds have strange beginnings and the foreign mind is hard often to plumb.