C—B

7

Opossums. The year has been notable for a great increase in the opossum-trapping industry. During the season a total of 679 licenses were issued, and 109,905 skins were taken, largely from State forests (based on average export valuation for the. last twelve months the value of these is estimated at £46,563). The share of licenses and royalties credited to the State Forests Account is £3,309 9s. sd. There appears to be a growing feeling of antagonism towards the opossum in some quarters, statements being made that it is destined to become a great menace to forests, exotic plantations, orchards, gardens, and native bird-life. While the consensus of opinion, within this Service and among many authorities outside, is that the damage is negligible, it is considered that some of the statements made against the animal are to a certain degree correct, and during the present year it is proposed that a comprehensive survey of the animal will be made. Recreational Uses of the Forests. It is only as the community values the forests that the community will demand the, proper use and conservation of the forests. It is for that reason the Service has continued to extend the many opportunities for visitors, trampers, fishermen, and hunters to travel through and use the national domain. As finance permits, camping-sites and fireplaces are being built, for property provided for recreational use will add valuable elements to our national life without seriously impairing the capacity of the forests to create wealth or render other public services. The attitude of the Service toward the forest-lovers is being appreciated, for this year the number of visitors resorting to the State forests and plantations for health and pleasure greatly exceeded that of the previous year. Trampers, fishermen, stalkers, and other sportsmen seeking interest and amusement in the State forests are invited to use the facilities of the Forest Service to assist in that end. Native Bird-life. Recognizing that "no native birds mean no native forests" and "no native forests mean no native birds," the active support of the Service was given last year to the native-bird-protection movement initiated by Sir Thomas Mackenzie and Captain Sanderson. A society was organized under the name of the New Zealand Native-bird Protection Society, and facilities were established to carry the message of wild-life conservation to the country. It is understood that by poster, leaflet, and precept the school-children are being reached with happy and satisfactory results. The appeal is certainly worthy of citizens' support, for, unfortunately, a most apathetic attitude does prevail in certain regions with regard to this vital issue. Forest officers to the number of thirty-six have been appointed rangers under the Animals Protection and Game Act, J921-22, and no opportunity is lost to drive home the, need for the perpetuation of our birds. Honorary Forest Rangers. The number of citizens who have associated themselves with the operation of the national forest policy as honorary forest rangers increased by twenty, making a total of fifty-six honorary officers of the Department. The Service wishes to express its appreciation and. gratitute to this corps of voluntary workers in the cause of forestry. During the dangerous forest-fire season of 1923, without exception the heartiest support and co-operation were given by them to the paid officers of the Service in the suppression and prevention of fire, and in a measure the small loss was due to their assistance. In conserving and protecting the bird and other wild life of the forests the help of many honorary rangers has been substantial as well as in guarding the, forests against other enemies. It has been found that the success of forestry in its many branches depends in a large measure on the active sympathy, support, and appreciation of the members of the community. It is in helping in the dissemination of forest knowledge and inculcating a better forest consciousness that the honorary officers of the Department have also rendered such valuable service to the common weal. It is proposed to secure the appointment of many more citizens in this corps. Forest-protection. The fire season, Ist November, 1923, to 31st March, 1924, was a dry one throughout the Dominion, especially so during the months of December, January, and February, when the fire-danger was at its highest. Thirty-three fires occurred on lands under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service, destroying the growth on 1,318 acres, of which 45 acres carried timber, 374 acres comprised cut-over lands, and 899 acres comprised fern and scrub,land. During the year 0-7 acre of exotic plantations was also burned, but the timely action of the patrol staff prevented a serious conflagration. The total value destroyed on State forests amounted to £292 15s. The majority of the fires originated from settlers burning off, and from " unknown causes." Six new fire districts were proclaimed during the year, making the total number of fire districts at present in operation nineteen.