SAVE THE TREES.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17939, 6 December 1923, Page 2

SAVE THE TREES.

CAMPAIGN IN AUSTRALIA. (|BOK OTTB OTTK COMUBSPOIfDMrT.) SYDNEY, November 29. The Australian Forest League, » new body built afresh out of the ashes of the old organisation, has evolved a plan of campaign in furtherance of its aim to sr.ve Australia's remaining forest trees and to replace those that have been ruthlessly destroyed with no regard for the future. An appeal is being made to shire and municipal councils and other public bodies to plant trees on an extensive scale m streets, roads, and parks; to _secure national parks in suitable spots for picnickers and tourists; to preserve ana extend existing forest 3 and plantations ; to landholders' to plant trees lor forage and shelter for stock and crops; and, above all, to the children among whom there is to be special propaganda work in the schools. It is an ambitious programme, but it is worth whi.e. As Governor-General, and as a forestry expert, Lord Novar (Sir Ronald MunroFerguson) never tired of warnine Australia of the suicidal policy which it was following in regard to ite timber resources. The Forest League points out, very wisely, that it takes God a hundred years to grow a good tree, but that any fool can destroy one m nve minutes. Here is one of its slogans; "One tree will make a million matches, but one match may destroy a million trees." The league, which has the Forestrv Commissioners and other enthusiasts behind it, gives promise of a useful existence. Canberra, the federal Capitol, provides one of the most striking examples in Australia of reafforestation. For miles there one sees the mountain slopes black with voung trees which have been planted with a wise regard for the future.