THE FORESTRY COMMISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8356, 17 February 1913, Page 6

THE FORESTRY COMMISSION

Speaking to a “Times” representative yesterday, the Hon. W. F. Massey referred to our criticism in regard to the appointment of the Forestry Commission. He stated that the work of the Timber and Timber Industries Commission of 1909 was entirely different from that of the Forestry Commission, as the order of reference of the latter would show. There was very little evidence to be taken, and the men forming tho Forestry Commission were all experts. Their work had nothing to do with timber in the ordinary sense of the word. To this we should like to say a few words. Whatever its order of reference, the Timber Commission’s report does deal with the question of, conserving our native forests, with the approximate supply of and probable demand, for milling timber, and with the present work of the State in the way of tree-planting. Moreover, there is Mr Kensington’s exhaustive report on the subject available. If further advice be needed, what is tho matter with a conference of expert- men now in the service of the Lands Department and in the pay of tho community? In any case, as we made out last Saturday, the Prime Minister can only justify the appointment of this Commission by taking back all he said last session of the folly and waste of such inquiries, and ho must overthrow his authority, Todd. Mr Massey quoted Todd—undoubtedly with approval—to show that “no Commission should be allowed to enter upon any question of policy.” The order of reference asks the Forestry Commission for little else than expressions of opinion on questions of policy. How is it that Todd has so quickly gone out of Mr Massey’s favour?