I:—12

XXXV

The Committee therefore recommends that, having ascertained as far as can be done what is the probable shortage of labour for carrying on our developmental operations, every effort be made to attract and assist to come to this country a sufficient number of suitable persons who will be available for work upon these operations. To achieve this end it is necessary to send two competent men to select and arrange for such suitable immigrants as may be determined upon. Domestic Help. The Committee also recommends, in view of the undoubted difficulty in securing domestic help, that a similar course be adopted in connection with the immigration of a suitable class of women, under' the superintendence of two or more capable women. Exclusion of Undesirables. It will hardly be necessary to add that the recommendations made on this question are subject to the strictest test which will ensure that persons assisted are physically, mentally, and morally desirable. The Committee strongly supports any course that may be necessary (1) to exclude undesirables, whatever their country of origin, and (2) to preserve the purity of the race. Forestry. New Zealand is so highly favoured by nature for the growth of forest-trees that our aim should be not only that we should be entirely independent of any other country in providing a sustained, supply of timber for our own requirements, but that we should ultimately develop a large export trade ; yet we are faced with the probability of a serious shortage in the not-far-distant future. In the disposal of much of our forest land, settlement has preceded the railway ; and the settlers, with no means of getting the timber to market, have had no option but to destroy it. From evidence submitted it would appear that such conditions still obtain. If the time comes when we are dependent on importations this may only be at a price which may materially add to the cost of production. It is therefore urgent that the promptest measures be taken so as to shorten the period during which we shall be dependent on foreign supplies. In passing, it may be stated that a vigorous forestry policy would provide employment for a large number of persons. The Committee makes the following recommendations : — (I.) That there shall be established a Department of Forestry, which shall, be separate from and not subsidiary to any other Department of State, and that it shall be the duty of that Department to determine what lands shall be permanently set aside as forest reserves ; also, that provision be made ensuring continuity and permanency of policy for definite periods of years, as has been done in. New South Wales. (2.) That at the earliest moment a scientifically trained expert shall be appointed as Chief Forester; that one of his first duties shall be to determine for the whole of New Zealand what Crown lands, whether bush or.open land, shall be set apart for forest reserves; and, further, where necessary and in districts where insufficient Crown lands are available, he shall recommend the resumption of areas of private land for the above purpose. Land once reserved for forest purposes shall be inalienable for any other purpose, except by Act of Parliament. The Committee recognizes that once the Forester is appointed other reforms will follow, including the organization of the Department. (3.) That immediate steps be taken to bring about a great speeding-up in the planting of quick-growing exotic trees, especially those suitable for butter-boxes, cheese-crates, and fruit and other packingcases. Wherever practicable these trees should be planted near consuming centres.