AFFORESTATION

Southland Times, Issue 21091, 24 May 1930, Page 7

AFFORESTATION

PEBBLY HILLS SCHEME.

WORK TO BE PUSHED ON.

‘(Special to the Times.) Wellington, May 23.

There is apparently, to be no delay in carrying out the scheme of afforestation at Pebbly Hills. To-day a conference on the project took place between the Commissioner of State Forests (the Hon. W. B. Taverner) and the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle).

It is understood that quite apart from the question of afforestation the matter of finding employment for Southland unemployed came up for discussion. It has been decided that the men for planting work will be drawn from the ranks of the unemployed of the province and that instructions have already been given to that effect. The project is to be put into full swing during the planting season, and it is hoped that it will greatly lessen the unemployed ranks.

Speaking to-day at the conference, Mr Perrelle said that the whole district would be pleased that there was to be no halt in carrying out the Pebbly Hills scheme. “Another future project,” said the Minister, “was an endeavour being made by the State to secure lands adjoining the present area, set aside for afforestation acquirement. Those lands would naturally depend upon the price placed upon them, but the main thing is that there is to be no delay in carrying out the scheme already decided upon. I must say that my colleague, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, has met me in every way possible to see that the afforestation of Southland is undertaken, and I am sure the district, and there are many settlers interested, will recognize the foresight of those responsible for the scheme.”