C.—3

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Recreational Use of the Forests. So that the interest of all citizens in their national forest heritage may be increased by participation in the enjoyment of the beauty and health-giving resources of our incomparable native bush, the Forest Service encourages the use of the forest domain for relaxation and recreational purposes by granting permits to tourists, trampers, fishermen, hunters, &c., who are prepared to safeguard the native flora, fauna, and avifauna therein. That the State forests within a short distance from the chief centres of population are becoming increasingly popular as a rendezvous for the open-air-loving section of the people is shown by the larger number of applications received this year for permits to enter State forests. This has been particularly noticeable in the Wellington region, where eighty-three permits to enter State forests for recreational purposes (other than opossum-trapping) were issued during the year, and it is estimated that many thousands of people find relaxation and pleasure by picnicking, tramping, and fishing within the precincts of State forests in various parts of the Dominion. The Service, considering the increasing popularity of motor transport with the community at large, confidently looks forward to. the future when the forest domains will occupy an assured position as public playgrounds. Automobile associations, tramping clubs, tourists, and the general public are invited to apply to the Conservator of Forests in their respective regions for information concerning the use of the State forests for this purpose. Honorary Forest Rangers. Once again the Service places on record the valuable services rendered by the corps of honorary rangers, which now totals seventy-seven, an increase of eleven over the previous year. Actuated solely by s. desire to protect the forest a.nd its wild life from fire, trepass, illegal shooting, and other dangers, these gentlemen in and out of season carry out their onerous duties in a highly commendable manner, and the Service gladly takes the opportunity to acknowledge its debt of gratitude to its volunteer co-workers in the cause of forest-conservation. 4. FOREST-PROTECTION. Fire Districts. For the last four years the creation and operation of fire districts has formed an important feature in the forest-fire policy of this Service. The results obtained justified provision being made

"Prevent Forest Fires —it pays."

iii the Forests Amendment Act, 1925, for their extension to provide, on the application of the owner or owners, protection to forests on private or other lands of an area of not less than 200 acres. It is anticipated that full advantage will be taken by interested parties of the privilege so extended, and to meet the demand for information a special booklet, Circular No. 8, entitled " Forest Fire Districts : Principles of Application and Use in the Control and Prevention of Forest Fires," is now available without charge from the Director of Forestry or any Conservator of Forests. Fire-break Burners. The efficiency of plantation-maintenance practice has been greatly increased by the utilization of Hauck burners at the principal stations for burning off fire-break and roadside vegetation. The work of the machine has fully demonstrated its value on tussock and slashed scrub land, both as regards efficiency and reduction of cost of this operation.