The Guardian And Evening Star, with, which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 1928. THE FORESTRY POLICY.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with, which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 1928. THE FORESTRY POLICY.

The Commissioner of State Forests in the the House this week made a general statement regarding the afforestation policy. In a condensed report of his remarks lie is reported to have stated that with respect to the embargo on export timber, that after the war timber had risen to an unwarrantably high price. No embargo lmd been placed on the export of white pine. The object of the embargo was to bring timber down to a reasonable price, and once that object had been achieved there was no object in continuing the embargo. This is an entirely new version of the policy of Sir Francis Bell who was responsible for the loss of the timber trade with Australia. Sir Francis gave another reason—the preservation of the standing timber in New Zealand, for posterity! There was certainly no question of price involved, for at that time the New Zealand community was able to compete in the Australian market against the world supply. It was pointed out to Sir Francis at the time that the millers by patient pioneering had built up the Australian market, and the result was that it was economically sound to supply it, for bo much “waste” was taken by Australia,

for which there was not, a local market, and shut out from there it would in truth become waste and loss in the Dominion. The embargo policy prevailed, despite all protests, and it was only when the industry was stagnating here, and men were being thrown out of employment and joining the ever growing ranks of the unemployed that public opinion loudly expressed carried weight, and the embargo was lifted. In referring further to the subject of afforestation, the Minister said with regard to Mr Holland’s suggestion about planting gums on the West Coast, he doubted whether it could bo .successfully carried out. On the dry lands on the Coast they might succeed. There are, ,however, well-known examples of

good growth with gums in this locality, even such waste land as the pakihis giving good results. It is essential to select the .right class of gum, and with a favourable choice it appears valuable results in reproduction are possible. We are not clear as to the cost of this work, though. On this aspect, however, Mr Hawken had something to say. In speaking generally, the Minister said that a great deal of money had been spent in testing out trees on the AVest Coast, hut with no marked success. He. did not think that they should depend on any iconsiderhle demand for timber for pit props for some time to come, .and there was no desire to interfere with the afforestation companies, but legislation was being drafted on general lines, which he thought, would meet the point raised, in regard to alluring prospectuses. Afforestation must be tackled in a businesslike way, and comparatively large areas must be

planted and planted rapidly. Some ole forests bad cost far more than thee should have done. There had been very considerable loss on forestry before the war. The work had been done in an unbusinesslike way. The cost had been far too great to admit of profit. The object of the Department now was to take a considerable area of the cheapest land that could be found, plant- it as rapidly ns possible, and then leave after putting the area under care of fire guards. He believed that was the only way forests could be obtained. It should be laid down as a matter of sound policy, that small areas should not be planted here and there. It is satisfactory to find that the Government is realising the trend of the hitherto expensive and dislocating policy adopted, and there is some satisfaction in realising that circumstances have at last forced themselves on the notice of the responsible Min- I ister. Mr Seddon had something to I say in the House also on the subject I

of forestry. Ho remarked that planting on the West Coast was still in the experimental stage, and pines and other trees had been found to bo successful. They hoped the Department would not lie disheartened but that every endeavour would he made to find out what trees were most suitable for planting on the. Coast. With all due respect to Mr Seddon, it would appear the Forest Service should have acquired long ere this a fund of knowledge about suitable trees for the Coast. If that advice is not at hand before airy further waste occurs and valuable time is lost, the Minister might call in the advice of a few experienced millers to confer with his departmental officers and indicate what might ho done. Indeed, some course such as suggested would ho desirable regarding forest policy and regulations if the timber industry is not going to be harassed unduly by the Forest Service. The task of that department should be more in the direction of a helping hand rather than with a mission to check or unduly harass industry. There is quite enough Government in business—Mr Coates has recognised that—and a policy of less interference would he helpful to the timber industry on which so much national employment dojwnds.