FORESTRY’S FUTURE

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 266, 5 August 1932, Page 8

FORESTRY’S FUTURE

Public Backing Needed APPEAL BY LEAGUE An appeal to members to realise that the future of forestry In the Dominion required strong public backing and that on voluntary efforts now depended the success of the future, is made in the report covering the year's activities of the New Zealand Forestry League. It will be presented at the annual meeting this evening. The report states that a circular letter was sent to all county councils inviting them to nominate one or more of their numbers who would be willing to act as honorary agents to the league and who would report upon any areas of forest or places suitable for preservation as national monuments, and also report any cases of proposed destruction or vandalism.

A fine response was made, and nearly all named one who had expressed his willingness to assist As a result the council has had before it many matters of importance. In a number of cases the council has recommended the appointment of Its agents as honorary scenic inspectors under the Lands Department, thereby giving them authority to deal with any case of vandalism or illegal trespass on scenic reserves. The report expresses opposition to the amalgamation of the State Forest Service with the Lands Denarfmont

Referring to the Ngahanrar.ga Gorge, the report remarks; made to arouse public interest in the beautification of the main artery to Wellington. On several occasions members of the council visited the locality, selecting areas for treatment. Plans were prepared, but. unfortunately, negotiations fell through owing to lack of public support. It is hoped later to renew our efforts to achieve this worthy object." ; In view of the tremendous number of unemployed in New Zealand, the conn"cjl interviewed the Unemployment Board and asked that forestry should be made an Important part of their plans for providing work,. The board circularised all local bodies for Informa-

tion as to work of this kind, and In many instances, notably on the part of the State Forest Service, large numbers of men have found work in forestry camps.