DEPLORABLE IMPROVIDENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7402, 4 February 1908, Page 1

DEPLORABLE IMPROVIDENCE

We barely think of providing for fresh and mire air, nor do we anticipate the rainy day if we get a succession of days when no rain falls. Necessity compels mankind to study the months and the seasoms if .we would ensure for ourselves a regular supply of those things that Nature gives in bounteous plenty. The storage of water in the upper Nile has already done for Egypt more lasting good, than the politicians could do in a hundred years. The quantity of water supplied over the earth's surface in the form of rain, if properly conserved, is sufficient for all men's needs, but men prefer to depend on pristine Nature, , with all her noble gifts, and suffer when Nature fails in her regular blessings. How few anticipate a deficiency and make provision for it! How many, for example, are there amoug the agriculturalists and the sheep-farmers to-day that have a storage of water, to meet the long period of dry_ weather that .has been experienced since .October? Necessity alorio will compel, farmers to act, and, if they thought that next year there were possibilities 'pi another run of dry weather, the_ chances are that much more provision woulfl bp made during the comiinp; autumn. But tHe case is not the same with the sawmillers. They do not require much water for the carrying on of their business, apart from that necessary for the boilers, but a succession of dry months means danger to them from the chances of breaking out in the vicinity of their'mills. The loss of timber is a, serious matter. This district {» rapidly being denuded of its timber. What we have remaining needs to bo most carefully husbanded. Millowners in the past have been far from provident in the utilisation of bush timbers, and it is a matter for consideration whether the Govornment of the country ought not to appoint inspectors to see that the milling timbers are duly utilised for the bene- ! fit of the country., It has been estim- ! ated that at the T»osent rate-tho timber supply of tho dominion will be exhausted in thirty years. We think this estimate excessive. Those who remember the vast extent of the milling timbers in the country extending from Hampden to Masterton less than twenty years ago, must realise how rapidly the whole face of this dominion is being swept of its useful and valuable timbers. What has the State done to replace the loss? Further, what have the millowners and holders of bush areas done? We are fully aware that efforts are being; made by the State Forester to cultivate large areas of nonproductive country with forest trees, but what of the areas that have been denuded of their timbers? Few settlers appear to regard with care the planting of timber trees. They know little of the habits of the native trees, and appear to care less for their growth on their lands. A few pinus insignis or perhaps straggling ihacrocapa suffice for their requirements. There is no chow of foresight. To-morrow is u«* minded, for "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." —Hawke's Bay Herald.