Govt cost cuts hit magazine

Press, 27 April 1989, Page 40

Govt cost cuts hit magazine

PA Wellington The “Soil and Water” magazine has become the latest victim of Government cost cuts. The D.5.1.R., which took over responsibility for the magazine last year, _ has cancelled its publication. “Soil and Water” was published by the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority but when that organisation was abolished by the Government last year its funding disappeared. The D.S.I.R. wrote to organisations receiving “Soil and Water,” asking them if they were prepared to subscribe. The magazine’s editor, Mr Alan Kirk, said the response to that request was poor and because of the lack of money it was decided to terminate the magazine. Mr Kirk said it was

ironic that most interest in subscribing to “Soil and Water” came from overseas. particularly from universities. Many organisations in New Zealand concerned with soil and water conservation chose not to subscribe. Because catchment boards were facing big changes, that was probably not surprising, he said. The D.S.I.R. is investigating the possibility of launching a similar journal which could get support from individuals and organisations with similar interests, and from agencies with resource management responsibilities. An expansion from soil and water topics to related resources such as plants and air will also be considered in the investigation.