FORESTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 19

FORESTRY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Tke discussion on_ ''Is the Opossum a Pest?" and the criticism, levelled at the Forest Service as to their handling of our indigenous forests and the class of trees they are planting, makes one wonder I what is the quantity of timber being milled per annum from which royalty is received, and what kind of timber trees are [ being planted to replace the indigenous forest milled. The annual report of the Forest Service gives little or no information on such points, and it would perhaps allay any misgivings if some definite and accurate statement was given the public on such matters by the Forest Service, The public have a right to know, and it is trusted the Service will be candid and supply the information. It would also be instructive if we were informed what the anticipated uses of the exotics planted were likely to be.—l am, etc., ONE OF THE PUBLIC. 25th August. [On page 13 of the las* annual report of the State Forest Service is a table showing the quantities (b.m.) cut from State forests during the last three years:— 1523-24, 52,297,000 feet; 1924-25, 102,369.SOO feet; 1925-26, 79,009,000 feet. The Service states that the trees being planted in. greatest quantity are insignia pine, pondosa pine, and Douglas fir. The uses to which these and other similar woods will be put are substantially the same as those n6w filled by rimu, white piue, and the other native softwoods. Improved methods of manufacture, grading; seasoning, and wood preservation will assist to make the planted woods as valuable aB the native species.]