Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1918. FORESTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1821, 2 May 1918, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1918. FORESTRY.

AN interesting brochure has'been published by the New Zealand Forncstry' League, with the intention of drawing public attention to the objects of the organisation and enlisting support. 1 The paiiiphlet sets out the aims of the Forestry League, quid in a series of well-written articles points to the need'for conservation of timber resources and the.renewal of plantations. Specially’ in.tei’esting is an article by Mr J. Orchiston on the merits of native trees for hedge purposes. In a foreword, Sir James Wilson,, president of.the league, writes-“ The future of our timber depends upon the way in which a few enthusiasts can influence public ‘ opinion sufficiently to get the. Government to take active steps. We are fortunate .in having Sir Francis Bell at the head of the Forestry Department/ He is keenly alive to the necessity for immediate action if he can but get his colleagues to agree with him. Mr Massey is definitely pledged to the Department, and although Sir Francis Bell has not yet been appointed to the control of the Department, we iirc given to 'understand he will he shortly. The ideal position would he that a trained man should he appointed under. Sir Francis. That every remaining acre of bush left in New Zealand should first be demarcated and that which is morci suitablejfor settlement than for for-

est should pass on to the Lands Department to be disposed of. That which is more .suitable for forest with a view to timber, should be under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department, and made inalienable. There is yet immense wealth in our Native forests. If we can conserve that unique timber —kauri —alone from destruction, we shall have done a great work. There are immense possibilities in the growth of young kauri trees to take the place of those cut down. We have 'evidence that their growth is greater than has,been generally supposed. The Forestry Department will have much information to gather, and deduction to make on the kauri forest and their growth alone. There is ■k ....... also much to learn of our remaining forests by trained observers.