Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1917. THE ROUND BUSH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1745, 25 October 1917, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1917. THE ROUND BUSH.

SOMEWHAT exaggerated rumours are afloat as to the value of the timber being cut from an area of about eight acres at the Round -§ush. Some time ago the Harbour Board advertised for tender’s for cutting rights over the area mentioned —a portion of the bush which, it was stated, was dying out, and which consisted of IrVe and dead white pine trees. This bush is on the south-west, or weather side, of the bush proper, and acts as a shelter belt. The Board sold ‘ the cuttingrights for £IOO. The best previous offers ranged from £l2 to £SO. Several people objected to any of the bush being felled, and protests were made to the Government. Then a rumour was started to. the effect that the Board had received £IOO for timber valued at £7,000! We have made enquiries, and find that good bush up the Main Trunk line averages 20,000 ft. to-the acre. On that basis, the comparative quantity in the eight acre area under notice would be roughly 100,000 ft. When cutting, carting,- railage, etc., is allowed for, the miller who paid £IOO will do very well if 'he man-, ages to clear £l5O. Strange to say no outcry against the cutting rights were made until after the contract was entered into. ■ We understand that the Government, which has nationalised the bush, has issued instructions to stop the further felling of trees there. The Board has entered into negotiations for stopping any further felling of trees.