THE WHY AND THE WHEREFORE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1927, Page 4

THE WHY AND THE WHEREFORE.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—The questions which Mr W. -McArthur, President of the New Zealand Timber Growers’ Association, is presenting regarding State Forests management are very much to the point. No doubt there is grave dissatisfaction with tbe conduct of tbe costly department, and it is high time feelings were given articulation. It would appear that a public enqir.v into the management is necessary. Such being the case it would he well to have a few other points probed:— 1. For instance, is it a fact that the Commissioner came all the way from Wellington down to Waiho Gorge to inspect the site of an application for a quarter of an acre of land to build a garage for the chief motoring firm of the district—the firm which is busy helping every good cause, including the carrying of a mail free weekly south for. the benefit of the settlers because the department can’t pay for it. Well, it is said the gallant Captain turned that quarter of an acre application down, though he has 20,000 to 10,000 more acres of timber country round about it. There are two points sticking out here: what was the cost of sending down the Commissioner to inspect, when he has rangers run-

ning to seed here, and what was the reason for negativing the application? 2. Is it really true that the large sum of £47,586 (forty-seven thousand, five hundred and eighty-six pounds sterling) are being appropriated from the Westland County revenue, and if so what for—to keep the Ross road plantation going? What a waste! If the* money were being spent to some advantage it might not he so bail, but so much spilt milk is appalling. The County ratepayers should demand an investigation. 3. Is it also true that the Forest Service is blocking the extension of a milling proposition by seeking to impose socialistic conditions for the right to take a tramway through a small forest area to reach country ahead in possession of a company which is keeping the town of Ross going? The Government doled out £SO the other day for the Ross unemployed, millmen who could be kept at good wages (not 9s a day) if the Forest Service lifted its embargo and allowed the hush railway to go ahead. Why does the Government of the day allow this sort of _ thing to go on? Where are its local officers that Ministers are not made wise— are they all in the same boat, seeking to crucify 'Westland?. I am, etc.. j INQUISITIVE, i