FOREST FIRES

DAMAGE IN FAR NORTH

"Stricter methods of dealing with the fire menace need to be undertaken if we are to preserve the remnant of forest. This year has been disastrous," writes Mr. E. T. Frost, from Parenga, North Auckland, to Captain Sanderson, president of the Forest and Bird Protection Society. "In the far north, thousands of acres have been burnt over and the countryside is an eyei sore. It .should be made an offence to light a fire in many areas unless the authorities are notified and all I precautions taken to control it. If I had my way I would proclaim t the whole of the six northern counties as fire areas, and place the burning off of any scrub under control of a responsible authority. The position merits drastic measures."