WORLD’S TIMBER.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1921, Page 5

WORLD’S TIMBER.

FEAR OF A FAMINE. NECESSITY FOR PRODUCTION. CO-OPERATION OF DOMINIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received March 23, 8.15 p.m. London, March 22. Mr. Novar, president* of the Empire Forestry Association, addressed the Dominions High Commissioners and Agents-General for the purpose of forming a branch of the association overseas. He explained that it was purely a voluntary movement intended to supplement the work of the British Forestry Commission and the Empire Forestry Bureau. He regretted the Empire’s backwardness in forestry, notably in Australia. New Zealand possessed valuable timbers which were insufficiently known and appreciated. It was probable there would be a timber famine in the world unless re-afforeeta-tion was undertaken. Australia was already looking abroad for supplies at any price. Lord Lovat, chairman of the British Forestry Commission, quoted an epigram attributed to Mr. Lanepole, of West Australia, that Australia’s forestry policy was to make one blade of grass grow where two trees grew before. The Empires timber resources amounted to twelve hundred million acres, about one-third being productive. Conservation was imperative, otherwise famine prices could be anticipated in the near future. Prices now remained two hundred per cent above the pre-war rates. Sir James Allen paid a tribute to Sir F. D. Bell in stimulating forestry in New Zealand. He suggested the promoters should confer with Mr. Massey when he is in England. The Australian Agents-General spoke in favor of an association. —Aus.-NX Cable Assn.