Afforestation In Westland.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1927, Page 1

Afforestation In Westland.

STATE FOREST NURSERY OPERATIONS.

AVestland is noted for its timber iesources, but it lias been realised by those in authority, that although the quantity still available is very considerable, the requirements of future generations have to'be provided lor. Ibe Forestry Department which was brought into being some years ago, principally for the purpose of conserving the timber resources of tho Dominion, is. writes a “Dominion” correspondent. doing excellent work in this connection, besides establishing nurseries in various parts of New Zealand lo promote Hie growth-of various timbers, including varieties which in the past have been imported into this country. Tho local branch of the Forestry Department, of which Mr A. D. McGuvoek is the conservator, has its nursery about seven miles from Hokitika in the locality known as Back Creek, near Woodstock. In September, 1923, the Department acquired an area of 73 acres in that part of tho district, and immediately commenced to prepare and cultivate part of tie area for the purpose of experimenting with numorous varieties, and in due course seeds were planted, flic area thus treated being approximately sixacres. To say that the results have exceeded expectations docs not adequately describe the success achieved. An inspection of the nursery very clearly indicates that the hoiicfils which will result from flic introduction of lion-indigenous timbers which have been grown from seed in the nursery, and are now thriving in a remarkable manner, cannot lie over-estimated. AI r MeGavock and his staff have demonstrated that, although only some six acres are at present being utilised, and an additional four acres are being preliared as seed beds, this area alone will produce sufficient trees to plant at least one thousand acres per annum. The Department has been careful not to confine its attention to any particular variety, and it is gratifying to know that among the plants which are growing luxuriantly, .are the eeualyptu.s and Thnva Plicatn .(red cedar), besides other well-known timber'.