RAVAGES OF BUSH FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 69, 11 March 1908, Page 3

RAVAGES OF BUSH FIRES.

REHABILITATING CROWN LANDS. Per Press Association. Blenheim, Last Night. The question of rehabilitating Crown Lands ■denuded by the bush lires caused much discussion at a meeting of the Marlborough Land Board today. An oner from a settler to sow grass on a part of the State forest on condition that he be granted grazing rights until the whole block was cut out was declinisl, and members of the Board urg-.-d that the Crown hinds denuded by»fire had to be sown so as to prevent them l>eing ruined or reduced in value by ferns and noxious growth, but the Commissioner demurred to the Department undertaking the work, as he feared that tlie demand for seed would raise the price on settlers. It was pointed out, however, that a rise of a halfpenny ir penny per pound in price was a small matter compared with the amount saved to the State by keening the land in good condition. It was suggested that strong representations be made to the Minister on the subject, and it was resolved that the Minister be recommenced to authorise the sowing of land cut out in forest and all other burnt Crown lands as soon as possible, and open them for settlement. It was also resolve! that in all cases when 1 sawmilling ti:nlier has been cut out of State forests the land be opened for settlement is ppeedily as possible. It is c-timated that 2(100 bushels of grass seed will lie required to -ow the Crown lands bunt in Marlborough.