FORESTS OF THE FUTURE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1928, Page 3

FORESTS OF THE FUTURE

COMMERCIAL \ND SCENIC

RAWENE. Jan. 13

“It was an eye opener to me to see this difficult country so developed,” said the Hon O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture and Commissioner of State Forests, after he had come through Waipcnm Forest Road, AY ai-

mam alt u Valley, and on to Rawone. “I have becyi over many roads in Uiis Dominion, but none like that through

Waipoun.” He believed that the forest proper, maintained by experts, would pay, and could bo made to pay for itself, not only as a sight-seeing part of New Zealand, but, he was also of opinion that it could be made a selfpaying proposition in the matter of re-afforestation, and building up the forests of the future. Already his department had 130,000 acres planted

for forests. He believed portions of Maipoua should he preserved, and he was sure generations to come would he glad such a precautions had been taken. Now that the road was an accomplished fact settlors would be able to get their produce out as they had neier l>een before. FUTURE OF THE NORTH. If farmers wanted to farm successfully to-day they should put something back into the land. This referred particularly to the north, u hicli was advancing at a greater rate, than an\ other part of New Zealand. He held out a great future for it on account of its cropping facilities and rainfall, and if it were farmed under up-to-date methods it would speedily treble its production. Although the Government could ami did help, it iclied upon the farmer to push himself along. Helping the farmer was a considered policy of the Government, and he agreed with Mr Coates and Mr Mo1/Cod in that respect. His present tour was being undertaken so that he could see for himself what could he done for the north agriculturally, and what service his Depat rmont could render. He would discuss that phase of development with his responsible officers. “Our object if to give yon service.’’ said Mr Hawken.