FORESTS AND FORESTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1923, Page 2

FORESTS AND FORESTRY

FURTHER. NOTES ON THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT. N(J XV. “Nought here to guide—nor sound—nor light, Vet grope we on, testing each seeming elm nee, And thereby add confusion; For midst this maze of woodland paths 'There lies perchance, one only That will lead us out. ’Two re simple too, bail one of us But trod that path before. M'e sink la-spent with fruitless toil. And wait the dawn." Under the heading “Economy in Afforestation" the Forest Service report, proceeds to mention that experiments have proved that the “notching method" of planting has been more successful than "pre-pitting,” in certain districts. It goes into details respecting experiments with a grain ilriil for direct sowing. Certain imlelinite, hut unsatisfactory results are recorded. "A spot-seeding experiment was made during the spring with a number ol species.” The result proved that “it is too risky for general use.” In respect to “Nursery Practice,” it records that “experimental work was carried out in the South Island nurseries.” in th.e matter ot sowing. It is claimed that “ costs were thus considerably reduced.” “’llio various systems will he carried out again this vear on a larger scale.” This reads all very well: hut why the necessity for so much experimentation? We had liet-n led to look upon Forestry as an established science, and yet we *imi it in the experimental stage. It would appear that, as an outcome of all the forestry operations which have been ial l ied out in other countries, there has been no satisfactory method for such a simple operation as raising a sculling forest plant: or else we haveno records of such process. Judging by me report, the Service is still in tho A. 11.0. of timber growing.

If any economy lias been effected as a result, of those primer lessons. the question still remains as to why there -hould have been the earlier comparative loss.

On the question of “Spacing-dis-tances,” there appears to have been considerable controversy. The factors involved even “including primarily the object of planting." In any l ’- ,so l( must be many war- ln-teio the results of increased • ’-naee-di-ta me” will he evident. It may yet prove that the present-day economy has been at the expense of inferior matured timber. And so on ! Tin's is hut another example. not only of a fearful and wonderful report. but also of a tearful and woiidei-lul Department for which the people of New Zealand are paying tlie piper all the time. ,Somebody has got to wake up and attend to the Augean stable, or there will bn a rude awakening in the cud for the state of expensive affairs, the Forest- Service Department is bringing about.