FOREST TRAINING CENTRE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25083, 15 January 1947, Page 3

FOREST TRAINING CENTRE

STATE DEPARTMENT’S VENTURE *' The Press ” Special Service ROTORUA, January 14. When the Rotorua Forest Training Centre is established by the State Forest Service this year it will be the first time for more than 10 years that aspiring foresters will have the opportunity to graduate in New Zealand with a degree in forestry. Although the number of students each year will not warrant the re-establishment of the chair of forestry in the New Zealand University, the degree of bachelor of forestry science will, it is stated officially by the State Forest Service, be recognised by that body.

Since the New Zealand schools of forestry were discontinued in 1932 there has been no graduation of trained foresters, and consequently there is a wide gap in the age classes of this calling. The State Forest Service expresses the view that the Rotorua training centre will have unique advantages, being situated in the heart of one of New Zealand’s largest afforestation areas. It is expected that it will attract students from abroad.

Importance is attached to the environmental influence—the success of Massey College being given as an example. The site is surrounded by a wide variety of exotic trees of all ages and classes. Students will have unrivalled facilities in all branches of forestry.

A forest experimental station has been linked with the training centre. It will be staffed by highly-qualified specialist officers, who, in addition to their investigational duties, will act as part-time lecturers at the school. This dual functioning of specialist officers has been developed successfully in Sweden, the service says. The staff will consist of at least six lecturers, including the principal, and they will provide instruction, in all essential subjects. The nostel will have accommodation for 30 to 40 students. The majority of graduates will be absorbed by the State Forest Service, and others will be employed by local bodies and private forestry organisations. The entire project will be financed by the State Forest Service, but students other than those on the departmental staff will pay the prescribed fee.