THE SANDHILLS PROBLEM

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 6 October 1920, Page 4

THE SANDHILLS PROBLEM

WHAI THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING. Mr IV. 11. Field. M.P., has received the following letter from the Hon. W. Nos worthy (Minister of Agriculture): ‘‘You will probably remember th:;i when the annual report of the Department of Agriculture was laid on the table of the House a good deal of discussion ensued in connection with various matters relating to the administration of the Department; and. as 1 di.l not have sufficient time at my ills posal to reply to the many questions raised before the live-thirty adjournment. I promised to deal with inquiries when the Department's Estimates were tinder consideration. You are, however, aware that the Estimates were dealt with during my absence from Wellington—this was done quitlink now n to me —and consequently 1 did not have an opportunity of fill'll ling my promise. I subsequently informed members that 1 would write ! . I hem personally replying to the pointthey raised, and I am now taking the opportunity of writing you in so fur as your representations regarding th necessity for -dealing experimentally with the huge areas of sandy lands 'i. this country are concerned. ‘‘l may say that your representation-: regarding" this manor will receive careful consideration. The profile a as you are aware, has already rc-eeivM a good deal of attention from the Do partment of Lands and Agriculture, and is now being considered by the Forestry Demutmcnt; the solution o' the question probably depending to a large extent upon afforestation opera t ions. ‘•My Department is already carrying out experimental work with san l binding plants north of Auckland, and hopes to be in possession of sufficient information to enable the whole pro Idem of sandy areas to be dealt will: when'the time comes.”