(From the New Zealand Herald.)

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 339, 16 July 1874, Page 2

(From the New Zealand Herald.)

The Premier, in introducing the New Zealand Forests Bill, said he considered it advisable to make provision for preserving soil and climate, and for providing timber for future use, and subjecting portions of native forests for skilful management aud proper control, to constitute State forests. The revenue to be derived from such forests to be specially dedicated to meeting so much of the public debt of the colony as should be contracted up to the year 1 904. From the Consolidated Fund the Colonial Treasurer shall pay to " States Forest Account" on the first day of January, April, July, and October, £4,575, to the Ist October, 1904. .Receipts arising from State Forests to be paid to State Forests account. Money accruing from revenue to bo expended in planting, constructing roads and bridges, education in science of forestry, men employed in management and establishment of schools and colleges for teaching forestry, or establishment of nurseries. After 31st December, 1880, excess of receipts over expenditure to be annually applied in repayment to Consolidated Fund of moneys paid thereon on immigration and Public Works Loan, After 31st December, 1904, excess of receipts over expenditure to be applied annually to repayment of Consolidated Fund, on the cost of the construction of railways, and next to the reduction of public debts contracted to the end of the year 1904. A .Responsible Minister to be Commissioner of State Forests. A Conservator to bo appointed, and removable by Governor for four years ; salary to be appointed by Governor— afterwards by appropriation of the General Assembly. Commissioners may select waste lands for State forests not exceeding three percent. Land to bo selected to be suitable for forest "'culture or forest use and accessible to shipping ports. If the Superintendent is dissatisfied Avith the selection he may appeal to arbitrationThe Chief Justico to be selected to appoint arbitrators. Arbitrator's award to be final. In the North island selection may be postponed if more suitable land will be acquired from natives. Other waste Lukls by agreement with Superintendents to be set aside as State Forests. Lease not to extend over 1 904, but towns miy be constituted within tboir limits. By laws .— l. Regulating duties of conservatory U 2. Pi escribing form of application for licenses, o, Management of Ministration. 4.

■Regulating seasons in which timber may be felled. o. To make all timber Hi for use to bo utilised. G. To prevent unnecessary destruction. 7. Preventing .sfuead of fire. S. Prohibiting trespassing. 9. Protection of roads. 10. Authorising the construction and maintenance of tramways. Conservators may apprehend trespassers without warrant, and /those found on proclaimed land in possession of ■> timber liable to apprehension and penalty. Penalties payable to State Forest .Account. — Special Correspondent.