CONTROL OF FORESTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1922, Page 5

CONTROL OF FORESTS.

NEW BILL DISCUSSED. PROPOSALS SUPPORTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Forestry Bill was discussed in the Legislative Council this afternoon. Sir Francis Bell, in moving the commital of the Bill, said that apart from its climatic side forestry was a mercantile and not a scenic concern. He emphasised the fact that there had never been from the first anything but cordial co-operation from the Minister for Lands and his Department. The Hon. Sir E. Mitchelson supported the Bill, with the exception of the clause setting up a Forest Advisory Board, which he said should not contain men who were out to get what they could from forests. His advice to tbe Minister was to call the board together as seldom as possible. He urged the forest service to study closely the growth of New Zealand trees. Finally Sir* E. Mitchelson spoke of the mo ,, e favorable terms given West Coast millers as contrasted with that given northern millers. The Hon. J. P. Campbell supported the previous speaker's remarks as to the rapid growth of Nevs Zealand trees and suggested the introduction of parasites to destroy insect pests. The Hon. Sir Thomas Mackenzie spoke of the need for protecting forests from fire, pointing to the loss of the Otago birch forests. Bluegums and pinus insignus planted in suitable soil would return a handsome profit to New Zealand. The Hon. O. Samuel expressed pleasure at the changed attitude towards forestry, for which Sir Francis was so largely responsible. The Hon. G. H. Thomson considered sawmfllerp and workers’ representatives should not be on the board of advice, because their interests were not identical with those of forestry. The possibility of starting a wood pulp industry should be seriously investigated.

The Hon. J. Griminond supported the Bill.

The Hon. G. J. Garland also.support the Bill, and said.above all the service must protect standing forests from fire and stock.

Th” debate was adjourned on the mo tion of the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre.