TO KAANU

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 12 March 1952, Page 3

TO KAANU

A large meeting was held of the Maori Timber Incorporations, of blocks containing heavy native bush to the west of Tokaanu. For convenience the meeting was held in the Tauaranunui Borough Council Chambers on Friday, February 29, commencing at 10.30 a.m. Members of the Committes of Management of the respective blocks were: Mangahouhou 2B Block (Inc.): Rangitaamo Takarangi, chairman; J. A. Asher, secretary; Paora Tuuru and Miriama Huirau. Waione Block (Inc.) : P. Alfred Grace, chairman; J. A. -Asher, secretary; P. Hura, P. Herangi, W. Te Tau, W. Taimaira, W. W. Rihia. Oraukura No. 4 Block (Inc.): P. Alfred Grace, chairman; J. A. Asher, secretary; W. R. Ngahana, P. Whakarau, P. Te Rewha, H. Rangamohia (Duff). Waiunu Block (Inc.): P. Alfred Grace, chairman; W. R. Ngahana, secretary; J. A. Asher, P. Whakarau, R. Takarangi, H. Mariu, R. T. Raukura. Also in attendance were: Mr C. Brenton Rule and J. P. Ashton advisory accountants to the four incorporations, and Mr P. D. Smith, logging contractor. Also in attendance by invitation were: Representatives from Puketapu 3A Block (Inc.); Hauhungaroa 1D2 and Hauhungaroa No. 2C. Blocks (Inc.): Namely Messrs P. H. Jones, W. Te Tuiri, R. Keepa, A. Rauhina and M. Gotty. The business commenced with a joint meeting, the chairman, Mr P. A. Grace, extending greetings to all present. Afforestation Before dealing with the general business connected with Zone C, namely the first four blocks mentioned above, opportunity was taken to welcome and hear the views of the New Zealand Forest Service representative, Mr Hocking, on the subject of "Afforestation," in connection with the proposal to re-plant the worked out areas of bush with suitable exotic trees as well as adjoining open areas of the respective blocks. Mr Hocking, in his address, covered a wide field and indicated some of the advantages and disadvantages in undertaking a scheme of afforestation in the areas affected. He referred to the experience of the Forest Service in regard to plantations in the neighbouring districts of Erua, Owhango, Taurewa and Karioi and dealt with the approximate cost of planting and maintenance, etc. After touching on other aspects of the problem, Mr Hocking retired to enable the committees to deliberate on same. Mr Hocking was suitably thanked for his informative address. Considerable discussion followed Mr Hockings' retirement from the meeting. All committees were unanimous in their support of the proposal to reafforestate. With a view of having something concrete to present to the owners, a special committee was set up, comprising Messrs Grace, Asher, Jones, Hura, Ruahini and Meihana; Ngahana to act as secretary. This committee to investigate the position further and to prepare a report for submission to the owners at the next general meeting. Zone C meetings (4 blocks mentioned above) : General business affecting the four incorporated blocks in this zone was transacted following the above meetings. Among the matters dealt with were: (a) Log output and sales for the current year from 1/4/51 to 31/3/52. Total log feetage sold and to be sold in the period will amount to over 10 million log feet for the sum of approx. £118,386 at the bush skids, or an average of 21/7 per 100 feet. (b) Royalty moneys that had al~ ready been paid into the Aotea district Land Board, Wanganui and further amounts to be paid in for distribution to the owners. (c) The sum of £10,000 that had already been set aside out of royalties for re-afforestation and further amounts from future income for this purpose.