N.Z. FORESTS HEALTHY

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24985, 20 September 1946, Page 9

N.Z. FORESTS HEALTHY

INSPECTION BY ENTOMOLOGIST

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. “An inspection carried out by an entomologist of the State Forest Service has shown that New Zealand forests are in a particularly healthy condition,” said the Commissioner of State Forests (the Hon. C. F. Skinner) to-day. “One of the main reasons for the inspection was the possibility that new tree diseases might have been introduced during the war, but no new species was discovered, and no known destructive insects or fungi wex-e found to be causing significant damage.” - Expressing his satisfaction at the result of the inspection. Mr Skinner said New Zealand was singUferly free from tree diseases, and methods of combatlug known pests were being studied continually. Although there was every reason for satisfaction at the present healthy state of New Zealand forests, the possibility of new diseases must continually be guarded against in order that any insect or fungal attack capable of developing into epidemic proportions could immediately be dealt with at an early stage. The inspection was carried out by Mr G. B. Rawlings, who recently returned to New Zealand after service with the Forestry Company in England, Algeria, and Italy. Before his return he spent six months studying forestry methods in the United States and Canada. Mr Rawlings, in his report, said New Zealand was fortunately free from insects which destroyed the foliage of trees. Opossums and deer caused most of the damage to growing trees here. Mr Rawlings will shortly visit Southland to study diseases associated with silver beech.