CONSERVATION OF TIMBER

Otaki Mail, 13 March 1922, Page 2

CONSERVATION OF TIMBER

ADVICE FROM CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS. A lengthy circular letter was received ,bv the Horpwhemia County Council at the meeting on Saturday from the Conservator of Forests stressing the necessity for the conservation of timber 'producing trees or tlic planting of such dn areas where they could be allowed (to grow to maturity. The scarcity of timber for use in the construction of i bridge culverts and transmission poles wag becoming more and more acute, the writer pointed out. and added that a poliev such as indicated would have the effect of saving ratepayers ’ money in years to come, as well as providing in the meantime an asset in the aesthetic sense. The services of. aD instructor would be allowed gratis and as a world wide shortage of timber was probable in 20 or 25 years the matter was one worthy of attention. The chairman (Cr. Monk) said he did not think the Council had many suitable areas for this purpose, but it was a matter which might be impressed on the ratepayers, especially to settlers. Or. Harkness said the fact that the countv had already made use of timber from a reserve was a ease in point, illustrative of the advantages of having such areas.

Cr. MeLeavey mentioned that there were 3000 acres nor far from Levin on which there was not a stick growing. The chairman: “Y"*ou refer to the -sand dunes?” Cr. MeLeavey: “Yes. and trees grow there like mush rooms.” The chairman: ** V ell the Government has already made a start at Himit&ngi,” \ Cr. Ryder agTeed ihgt forest eonserivation was very necessary. He was jafraid very few people realised bow Jnear the world was to a timber shortage. ' It was agreed that the Council hearLtilv endorse the statements made in the letter.