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Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1926, Page 2

With reference to (lie foregoing there is a good deal of food for thought in regard to the question of afforestation. One point is made that is interesting, though the professor generally is rather vague and indefinite as lo final conclusions. He says that a number of people appeared to think they know something of the intricacies of forestry for commercial purposes, hut it was a proposition to be left to an experienced man. That principle will lie agreed upon, and with regard to the expensive afforestation policy In this country, we should like more consideration given to the opinion of the man of experience. And experience in forest growth requires to bo founded on loral circumstances and conditions. The experience in another country does not count, necessarily, for soil and climate, and even ilio habits oT the trees, are different. There has |(oon too great a rush at indiscriminate planting in this country without full weight being given to what the .so.il will p'c pilodure. Though forest growth may flourish in its native form, it does not follow that imported trees vcill do as well in the same class of ground once the first crop is removed. There are expensive examples to prove the contrary. Then there are certain lands which harbor no native torestgrowtb ccith the exception of shrubs, yet which have shown some response where imported tree plants have been cultivated. 'lbe work of afforestation in this country is very much in its infancy. Although at places like llanmcr an Rotorua (here are vast plantations maturing for years, there is an nliM-nof big timber in the growth as far as it- lias gone. The economic

value of Midi plantations might, le brought into question were the initial cost, and later expense in cultivation capitalised, and worked out in relation to the ultimate .saleable worth. On tins point there i~, not clear evidence but it is conceivable to deduct from i system of allorcstation in vogue that the expen.-e of production ot timber is going to be very costly. There must lie more economy in that respect, ami on that account the mull of experience should lie consulted. We do not think bo will be found in the ranks of the professors, or tho.se who post 1 a.s experts. Me is to be found in the ranks of the producers, the man who has spent his life and gained his experiem e in the milling of timber.

\ r Greymoutii a In-ancli <0 the forest 1 eague lias keen formed lately. and there is the .suggestion that- a similai branch should he lormcd hero. If the men ot real experience could oceicome ibeir natural modesty and be induced to join the branch, some real benefits would accrue. Much valuable advice could bo tendered which would tend to check the waste going on in the present. administration ol the lorcsls. A great deal could he done to assist in the more economic use- of the forests. Some real enenurageliv.'iit could be given to the timber industry to make it a means of gientcr production and a larger employer of I ;iI• r. (o.vcruniout iilt.uTert nee with the hii-ilc.-s of milling could bo checked or at least, cxixei.il. and -otnel king of serine to the country al large Mould result from s'.icli an exposure. The branch if it is to be form,‘d should not be a play-thing-something for mutual admiration as regards the forest service in this Dominion. Rood healthy criticism at this stage would Jo of present and ultimate service to the country. The Forest I.eague as far as tve have been aide to follow it. is largely a re-echo of the very conservative policy which affects ilio wlude industry of the forests. That afforestation is highly essentia no one will dispute, but it must be on an economical basis, and the utilisation of existing forests must bo no less on a similar basis. To achieve practical results, the men of praetieel experience are the best to offer adviie. and if a. branch were composed in lbmain of such, a very useful series of resolutions could bo carried. But i f appears to us that the miller i- regarded as (lie menace in matters relating to the utilisation of the forests It seems to be thought he is the arch destroyed without returning any quid pro quo. On the contrary as one tvbr ■supplies a much needed commodity, he is a very useful industrialist. His personal siu cess is guaged by his degree of management. The scope of hi‘ work is governed bv his capital, and the markets be can attain. A nourishing miller is a good employer of labour and a ready producer of a commodity which ji-nds a prompt market. Such a. man can hardly be a menace, and knowing as be dees the full value of the industry, surely his advice is worth healing and taking as regards the more economic value of our forest product ion.