FORESTRY EXPERTS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1926, Page 4

FORESTRY EXPERTS

TO LOOK OVER NEW ZEALAND. AUCKLAND, January 4. Sir Douglas Mawson. the famous Antarctic explorer, arrived from Sydney by the Maungnnui. During recent years he has interested himself in forestry in Australia, and liis chief mission in New Zealand is to investigate forestry prospects. Sir Douglas slated that although New Zealand led the way in forestry development, the people of Australia were now taking a keen interest in forestry. They were beginning to realise its importance from a national point of view. In South Australia particularly the forestry industry was pushing ahead. Enormous stretches of country would sooner or later be planted with trees. Sir Douglas has gone in for forestry in a practical way. He has acquired land in South Australia, and has had it planted with trees.

He stated that 61.000,000 had been invested liy Australians in a private company in New Zealand, and he intended to make investigations and report to shareholders and others.

Asked if ho had any Antarctic explorations in view. Sir Douglas said that- at present he was engaged in writing up the scientific results of the Australasian Antonie Expedition of 1911-1914. He was in charge of this venture, and the scientific observations and discoveries would he published in book form. This, he stated, would take from two to three years to complete. While in Wellington he will collect the manuscript in regard to seals and birds which is being prepared by the Museum authorities. Tie will spend about a month in the Dominion before returning to Australia.

Sir Herbert Matthews, an English agricultural expert, also arrived by the Maunganui on a forestry mission. He is acting as trustee for several English business men. and will investigate the forestry prospects of New Zealand. Sir Herbert, who is secretary to the C’eptral Chamber of Agriculture, England, will spend about a month in the Dominion before returning to England via South Africa. He will proceed shortly to Rotorua, and will inspect Government and private forest reserves.