AFFORESTATION.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18902, 18 January 1927, Page 4

AFFORESTATION.

PLANTATION BOARD • SCHEME. *

RESUMPTION OF LOW-VALUED. J RESERVES. An important extension of the Selwvn Plantation Board's activities is proposed in a special report by i he Board's superintendent, Mr H. *-'•. Robinson, to ho considered at. the Board's meeting next Monday. J lit text *f the report follows : "\fter afforestating annually tor some years past, between 830 and 400 acres of untenanted, or low-valued lands, the necessity is now apparent of having to resume more revenueproducing areas- if the continuation of the .projected planting scheme is to be carried into . effect fecial properties returning even a low lentai ■on.-their 'capital value have not. been withdrawn from an occupier, whilst badlv neglected reserves have, at considerable expense been put in order and planted; but the continued success of the. Board's general scheme can only bo brought,about by having at least a proportion of second-grade afforestablo }and resumed annually ior expansion purposes in addition to the 'cut out' or areas. "Although somewhat early to accurately determine the-number of trees that will be sufficiently robust.i'br permanent, planting during tho coming, season, the following estimate octrees available for planting out in 1927 will give a reasonable. Idea of tho position :

Pinus insigiiis 250,000 Two-year-old Oregon pine 100,000 2 and 3-year-old Pirius Laricio 30,000 2 and 3-year-old Pinus pondercsa, 25,000 2 and 3-year-old C. Macroaarpa 10,000 In trays Eucalypti 5,000 In traya Total 420,000 "This number at varying spacing distances will be sufficient to plant slightly over 500 acres. "The following areas are available for planting without seriously interfering with revenue from rentals:— Turnbull's reserve' (Bumham) .. 90 acres Sawmill reserve (Darfiold) .. 20 acres Bruce Bros.' reserve (Greendale) ~ TO acres Grigg's reserve (Bankside) ..50 acres Tranter's reserve (Te Pirita) .. 70 acres J. Higlit's reserve (Hororata) .. -50 acres Jo-Win and TVelbvirn (Darfield) r.. 50 acres Eeddicliffe's reserve (Te Pirila) .. 50 a*res 420 acres "The foregoing planting will be in. addition to the re-planting of the customary failures in previous season's work. "During the coming tour of'inspectioa opportunity might be taken of deciding upon the resumption of land for plant-' ing in 1928. Near Uunsandel two reserves of second-grade value, returning low- rentals and quite suitable, for afforestation are:—Reserve 1763. 400 acres, rental 2s 6d per acre' £SO IGs: reserve 1764, 654 acres, rental 2s 4d per acre, £76 Is 2d. The gradual resumption of one or both of these reserves will meet the position."