Policy On Planting Of Exotic Forests

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 12

Policy On Planting Of Exotic Forests

The Government’s policy on planting of exotic forests was given to the executive of the South Island Local Bodies’ Association yesterday in a letter from the Minister of Forests (Mr Gerard).

There were two broad objectives, the Minister said. The first was to make New Zealand as self-sufficient as possible in forest products, particularly timber. The second was to grow sufficient additional wood to supply industries based primarily on export. Discussing the first objective, Mr Gerard said the Forest Service tried to plant forests close to markets, provided suitable land was available. By doing so long and costly haulage to markets would be avoided.

In fulfilling the second aim, planting must be done principally where there was a large area of suitable land. In addition, proximity to a port was desirable, and it was essential to have ample water supplies. Priority For Rotorua

Throughout New Zealand an endeavour was made to plant local forests, the Minister said. Attention was being given to expanding those in Rotorua because industry was already well established there. After that attention was being given to expanding the Nelson forests and, further into the future, the Dunedin forests. “When consideration is taken of local market requirements, exotic planting by the State in the South Island is probably weighted in its favour.” the Minister said. Mr D. H. Cockburn (Southland) and Mr J. G. Donald (Ranfurlv) urged that planting should not take place on

land that could be developed for farming. Mr J. S. Thorn (Port Chalmers) said that to suggest that to the Minister, who had referred to “suitable” land, would be unnecessary and somewhat irritating. As a result of the establishment of forests in the North Island there had been a tremendous industrial development, Mr M. Wallace (Westland) said. For years he had advocated a similar development in the Nelson Province.

The processing of timber products for export would almost equal in value the export of some of the primary produce, he said. Did the South Island want to share in that? Increase Advocated Thousands of acres was available. Mr Wallace said The rate of planting of exotic trees should be stepped up considerably. Mr Cockburn sought to have the executive urge that no land suitable for farming be taken for forests. Mr Wallace countered this with an amendment asking that, while land suitable for farming should not be taken, the association still sought planting of trees in the South Island equal to the annual plantings in the North Island Mr G. Manning (Christchurch) said the Government was aware of what was suitable land.

After both the motion and amendment had been withdrawn. the executive received the Minister’s letter and thanked him for the information.