FORESTS AND FORESTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1923, Page 2

FORESTS AND FORESTRY

FURTHER NOTES ON THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT.

“Of all these bounds—even from this line to this—with shadowy forests, and with cliampains ricli’d with plenteous rivers and with skirted meads, we make thee lord.” (King Lear). NO. X “MAN AG EMEXT’ ‘ ‘TIMBER

Referring again to the Forest Service annual report in expressing its welcome of the interest taken by .sawmillers in the matter of buying timber in remote places, the Service says: “for the resources of the forests are for use, and only those restrictions are applied that will ensure the permanence of these resources.” We are not aware that any of tlie restrictions which are imposed, can, l:v any stretch of the imagination, lie said to ensure in any degree “the permanence of these resources." Certainly the restriction of “Afforestation etc.” which has been practiced during the year’s operations, as shown by the reduction of expenditure on this item, amounting to £12,’216, is not calculated to ensure permanence of timber resources. It should bo noted in this connection that while operations in respect to such an important- item as “Afforestation" have been reduced by about 25 per cent, “salaries” have been reduced only about 3-1 per cent. The report goes on to say: “The ripe standing timber is sold at a fair price.” The term “ripe” is no doubt used to convey the idea that some process of husbandry is in operation, such as has not previously been practiced. It is all part of the “make-up.” The term does not appear to have been used hitherto by other departments; but it is up to the new department to shew that something of a more professional tone has been imported into the simple process of selling standing timber. It is nevertheless an open question as to when timber may be said to bo ripe. There is much to lie said for “tho policy of the Service” in aiming to cater for small operators, in so far as it tends to prevent monpolios. Seeing, however, that such catering is done by a Service which seeks to become the supreme monopolist, some doubt may he justly entertained as to the sincerity of its declared policy. The Service seeks popularity too ; and it knows it can exploit “the man of small means” to better advantage. The policy is, moreover, somewhat idealistic, and there, is the possibility that- our national forest capital may lie sacrifice! tor ail impractical ideal. It is gratifying to learn that the Service lias resisted any pressure, which it states “has been brought to hear on the Service.” in tho matter of “any bolstering up of timber monopolists”— the Service of course always exempting itself from coining within such an approhrious designation! The claim that the methods adopted by the Service in conducting “the sale of ripe timber, lias met with general approbation.” is not supported by facts unless such term is intended to mean self-approbation of the Service itself. The result of inquiries indicate unfortunately that very considerable disapprobation exists outside the Service—with the public, the local bodies concerned, the sawmillers, and industrialists generally, who arc realising the trend of the policy. It is questionable if the system of selling, as practiced by the Service, is “fair and just to all” and whether it “gaurantees equitable treatment to all comers.” The report itself distinctly states that the policy of the Service is to cater “specially” for certain classes of buyers. It is to ho noted that the Service evidently judges the success of its vaunted system, purely by the price realized—the question of good >r bad utilisation being absolutely ignored. or certainly submerged. In defence of the system of competitive sealed bidding, the report -states: “It cannot he said that competitive selling has raised the ultimate prices of sawn forest product <o the consumer, for during tin? year, downward price revisions have been recorded throughout the Dominion.” Is it possible that tho Service really believes that an increased price for standing timber can make no difference to the price of sawn timber; or does it believe the public can be so easily gulled? The lowering of prices of sawn timber, or “sawn forest product” if you prefer it so, must, as a matter of course, be retarded bv the increased cost of standin,, timber. The sophistry displayed bv tho Service in this instance, as in others, is quite in keeping with its usual lack o! logic.

In describing “tlie system of Service timber sales” it is stated, amongst other tilings, that the timber is estimated and valued by “competent officers.” As previously stated, there are instances where officers have made timates which seemed to indicate that competence is not the trump card of the Service.