Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1925, Page 2

When commenting on the progress of afforestation schemes in New Zealand, a warning was issued by Mr James Deans (President of the forestry League at Wellington.). He said it was a favourable indication to see prominent business men investing money in the various afforestation schemes that are going on all over the country, for it shows tlmt they recognise the assured value in the planting of exotics. At the same time a warning note should be sounded about the- extravagant statements that have been made as to tin' probable profit that will accrue to persons who invest their money in these schemes. The results ale quite

gnud enough without the very palpable exaggerations that have -o frequently appeared in print of late. \\ hilst the league is doing everything it can to encourage planting, it vvill not give support to the unduly optimistic estimates of yield and returns that can be obtained from matured timber plantations. I think ii would be advisable if the Forestry authorities were to make up a statement ■,-t imat ing timber vields of the various exotii - at certain slated periods, under proper forestry conditions, and have them published so that people would have a more accurate idea of what would be their return lor tla- money iuve-ted. Mr A. 1,. Hunt -aid that the president's remarks wen- very timely. The time would come when it would be necessary for these companies to insure their forests. especially as they were taking shares in sit,all numbers, and thus afleetiug till classes of the community. It was true that it the forests were not burnt, they would return profits, loti they should be insured. JTeiniuiu.s appeared high, but the companies bail the remedy in their own hands.