PROFITS IN TREES.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1926, Page 1

PROFITS IN TREES.

STATE V. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. NO NEED FOR CONFLICT. (Special to the “ Hokitika Gilardian.”) By W. J. KEYES, B.A. A great deal lias been heard in recent years about afforestation and the possibility of profits accruing from scientific tree planting operations. Tho State pioneered afforestation work purely in the national interests of conserving a fast dwindling timber supply. As a result of the initiative shown by early Governments in this Dominion, the State to-day possesses a magnificent asset in the man-made forests of the country. The subject of afforestation was brought strongly into publifnotice by Government propaganda issued by the State Forestry Service. In lectures, brochures, and in a hundred and one other ways, the importance of reforesting denuded lands was emphasised. Particlunr attention was directed to the pumice country of the North Island. The Government carried out an effective planting plan, the evidence of which is seen to-day in the splendid forests around Waiotapu and Rotorua. Then private enterprise came in the field. Four years ago the first commercial afforestation company was formed and when investors realised the great possibilities ahead in timber investment, shares were rapidly applied for and a great enterprise was initiated.

At this period the State Forestry Servieo appreciated the co-ordinate work which private enterprise was successfully doing. Reports of the successful flotation of the first commercial afforcstaion company encouraged other company promoters to launch new companies. Responsible authorities did not object to such company promotions, for it was realised that the hitherto waste lands of the pumice country were being advantageously used. As the years wont by private enterprise in afforestation work came still more prominently into public notice. In Australia, thousands of investors espoused the cause which so manifestly possessed the confidence of the people of New Zealand. Private enterprise with plenty of money at its disposal, carried forward propaganda of national as well ns Empire value. The State Forestry Service, on the other hand, ax is the case with many Government departments, was rather limited in its work for need of funds. Indeed, financial restrictions have prevented proper attention being paid to the existing State forests, which it is generally recognised are in need of expert forestry attention. The State Forestry Service, however, lias obtained sufficient finance to -carry on some planting operations and for the acquisition of new lands for afforestation work.

There has not been lack of evidence recently, that some persons in the Government employ, view the progress of private enterprise in other than the most cheerful manner. Suggestions have been made in n section of flic press tliat careful consideration should be given by the Government to the operations of private enterprise in the afforestation field, and one writer was even moved to outline a proposition for the nationalisation of'private afforestation companies, and another individual was optimistic of the success of the Government raising a vast amount of money by the issue of State guaranteed forestry debentures. Tho former suggestion is obviously futile, but the latter might quite reasonably he taken up with advantage by the State. There is no need for conflict between the State and private enterprise, which are both helping the afforestation cause and conserving our national aiboreal heritage for posterity. Afforestation is vitally necessary. Paper production and the artificial silk industry depend absolutely upon timber and tlie consumption of wood in recent years has assumed suck enormous propoitions, that the forests of the world arc being “cut out” to supply industrial needs.

There is no need to quote the statistics of every country in illustrating the position. It is interesting to learn from lau authoritative source, however, that “on the advent of man to New Zealand, it. is estimated that original forests of some 97,000 square miles covered practically the entire Dominion. From the North Cape to the Bluff stretched forest-typos of trees merging ono into another in unbroken continuity.” To-day, vast areas are denuded. It is the common duty of both the State and private enterprise to reafforest such country. [ll commenting upon the activities of either State or private, enterprise, destructive criticism is easy. Afforestation, as a properly organised national work, is really only in its infancy. Tree farming, whether for national conservation or for private profit is ti comparatively new factor in the world. New Zealand can well ho proud of the work accomplished by both State and private enterprise. Tho largest commercial afforestation company in tho world is planting •11.000 acres of pumice land in the North Island this year, and the capitalised value of the State forests of trie Dominion have recently been estimated at not less than £35,000,000 sterling. Within a seventy mile radius of Auckland city there are 138,000 acres of .State forest,, whicli aro the'result of tho foresight of Governments who initiated a planting policy forty years

ago. Critics of both State and private enterprise aro often pessimistic, and when reason is applied to unfair criticisms it is often discovered that theie

is no foundation for surprising statements which have appeared from time to time. The reputable private afforestation companies err very often in conservatively stating their propositions. However, it is perhaps better to be on the safe side. There arc of course, odd private companies which could quite safely he eliminated ; companies which arc inclined to be too optimistic. Tiffs latter class is abnorred bv tho well conducted concerns which' realise that the fallacious companies can do considerable injury to the general afforestation cause by ridiculous misstatements. On the other hand, the honesty and integrity of the Government is often seriously assailed by misguided enthusiasts ybo see oniv evil in private afforestation work and if they had tlieir way would turn out Dominion, into an imitation of the Soviet. Republic. _ ' Without private enterprise and the dvnamic forces at its disposal there would bo no properly organised social life Private enterprise sets eteiy wheel spinning. It brings ships trom tlie ends of the earth, laden with the produce of many countries for consumption by our own people. Our home industries also depend upon puvate ■enterprise. . The texe-s -h.ch go to; wards the -maintenance of Govu-i ment are drawn from private *«er-