DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

OMATA. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) In response to an invitation from the local branch of the Fanners’ Union, Mr. E. Maxwell, of Rahotu, recently gave an address in the Omata hall on tree-planting. .At. the outset Mr. Maxwell explained that his remarks would be made applicable to the individual farmer's requirements rather than on general afforestation lines. After stressing the moral and physical advantages to be derived from adequate shelter around the homestead, and the great benefit from a stockman’s point of view to be gained from ample shelter belts, the speaker went on to advise what, in his opinion, were the - most suitable trees to plant, speaking from long experience and with a thorough local knowledge. Mr. Maxwell unhesitatingly placed the pinus insignus as the most suitable for shelter belts, emphasising its quick growth for present shelter and its ultimate value for commercial purposes. The best places to plant shelter belts were rough creek banks, which are usually overgrown with noxious weeds. Here again, the pinus insignus, owing to its rapid growth, would quickly smother and eradicate all such pests. While admitting the many qualities of the macrocarpa, he did not recommend it as a suitable tree' to plant near the coast. After dealing exhaustively with the planting, growth and values of the various gums, Mr. Maxwell spOciSlly stressed the value of the black wattle as being perhaps the most useful tree for the fanner to plaint. Quoting from actual experience, the speaker proved beyond doubt t.nat after six to eight, years’ growth a small plantation of black wattle will produce a.l the timber required on a farm for fencing, firewood, and all general purposes. After carefully explaining the best methods of planting, and the care of trees necessary until they had become established, Mr. Maxwell answered a number of questions and imparted much valuable knowledge, addressing himself particularly to a number of Farm Club boys, who will not forget the good advice given. In proposing hearty vote of thanks for his very interesting and instructive address, the chairman, Mr. Kurth, voiced the opinion of all present when he expressed a hope it would not be lorfg before we again had the pleasure of listening to Mr. Maxwell on a kindred subject.