FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.

A NEW DEVELOPMENT. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Prime Minister announced m the House last night that probably within a : few weeks — certainly within a few months— ra special Forestry Department With a Minister m charge would be established. Members who believed that little had been done hardly realised the work of afforestation which the Lands ' Department had carried out. The Go-S-ernment had had the report of an expert, Mr Hutohins, 011 the subject, which showed that the West Coast of the South Island was most suitable for afforestation. There were difficulties m the LNorth Island because of the occasional hot surdmers. j "This is one of the best pieces of news ! we have had for many years," Mr Ell, declared m reference to the work coiitemplated. He added that the results would be most .fruitful. Local" authorities should, be. encouraged to plant trees along 'the highways, as was done m France. There was- a long stretch, 100 miles, 'of plain m Canterbury which ought to be studded with trees. Large areas along river beds could be weli utilised. ; Mr Massey remarked that the Government liad" purchased 6589 acres near .Hanraer, "Which,, with an 'adjoining reserve of 1047 aores, would be . planted with trees. • Mr Forbes advocated the appointment of a capable head forester for New Zealand. •Mr Mac Donald agreed with the last speaker, adding '■ that when our soldiers returned reafforestation would be a most valuable occupation for them.