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The proceedings of Sections consisted of the reading of summarized general and •special papers respectively, followed by discussion from the floor. The official languages were English and French, an interpreter translating all statements into the alternative language. One general paper only on each subject was permitted ; the aim of these papers was to give a short general review of the subject and to indicate a proper course and objectives for the discussion. For the oral delivery of a general paper, twenty minutes was allotted. Special papers dealt with any subject within the section agenda from the point of view of the author himself; for oral delivery not more than ten minutes was allowed. Over one hundred papers were delivered and discussed, the general conclusions therefrom forming the basis of the final report and recommendations. Printed summaries of special papers were issued to delegates as they were read ; it would add greatly to the value of discussions if, in future Congresses, papers were made available to delegates in advance, preferably before they left their respective countries. The full texts of many papers will, however, be published in the proceedings of the Congress, which will constitute -a valuable addition to world forestry literature. The New Zealand delegates attended different Sections by arrangment, and thus ■covered the proceedings as far as was possible, Mr. Birch attending Sections I and 11, and Messrs. Carter and Freeman Sections 111, IV, and V. The minutes of all Section meetings were issued daily. CHAPTER lII—GENERAL REPORT OF THE THIRD WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS Note.—ln this Chapter a sequence of extracts applicable or of special interest to New Zealand -are reproduced from the general report of the Congress. Relevant comments representing the combined views of the New Zealand delegates are interpolated (printed in italics). The marginal figures in this Chapter refer to the corresponding paragraphs in the official general report of the Congress. .9. " The Congress has provided ample opportunity for foresters, industrialists and technicians from all parts of the world to meet, exchange views and experience and to establish or renew personal relations which will stimulate and facilitate their work in the coming years." 10. " The recognition of the role of forests in modern society is no longer confined to a small group of specialists. The importance of forests for soil conservation, their protective functions as well as the vital contribution which an increasing variety of forest products makes to modern economy, are far better understood and appreciated by Governments, industries, and by the public at large than at the time of the First and Second World Forestry Congresses." 11. " One of the most striking changes of the past 13 years is the recognition of the principle that the management and conservation of forests and the manufacture and distribution of forest products must be regarded as an inseparable whole. It is the primary task of the forester to grow and produce both the amounts and the kinds of forest produce needed by industry and other consumers for the optimum satisfaction of human needs compatible with the protective role of forests and the conservation of land productivity. At the same time it is the responsibility of technical research and industrial development to provide suitable outlets for all products of the forest crop and to adjust conversion methods and uses to the limitations and requirements of sound silviculture."

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