SOIL CONSERVATION COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23746, 18 September 1942, Page 4

SOIL CONSERVATION COUNCIL

FIRST MEETING HELD j ACTIVITIES OUTLINED ] (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 17. ; The activities on which the recently* •; appointed Soil Conservation ««M Rivers Control Council is to concen-| trate in peace time were outlined to-s night by the Minister of Pu?u c l Works (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong).;,! These are: (1) The declaration Ms catchment districts and the setting UP? of catchment boards; (2) the declare-1 tion of "Soil conservation districts an" v the acquisition of soil conservation w reserves; (3) the collation of maps, and other available information;] (4) the setting up of central and qis-: trict standing committees of existing' departments lor the purpose of niakuj* \ recommendations to the council; (W' : ;i the consideration of a pfl'j'j gramme of survey work ?n» collection of data in connexion,, with soil erosion, soil conservation. j and river control; (6) the institution,] of a programme of general researcn,) and experimental work; (7) the inaU'.; guration of a programme of afforestt-j, tion and protective covering; (8) tn*inauguration of a suitable programme ■., of publicity and educational work on , soil conservation practice; (9) field inspections as opportunity offers. The council has already held its firs meeting. The Minister stated that that occasion, which he regarded as a momentous one. had of necessity been overshadowed by the war conditions, dui nevertheless the council had begun it* deliberations and a further step nao been taken in the fulfilment or tne Government's desire to control erosion, alleviate flooding, and promote sou conservation throughout New Zealana.