WOOD FOR PULP

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 28, 1 August 1929, Page 19

WOOD FOR PULP

POSSIBILITY IN N.Z,

FUTURE OF FORESTRY

COMPANIES CONFER

At the second annual conference of tim-ber-growers the following delegates were present:-Messrs. H. A. Goudie and J. W. S. M'Arthur (New Zealand Redwoods): Fraser and Wylie (New Zealand Perpetual Forests); J. H. Duncan (Afforestation, Ltd.); Dr. Horton (Mamaku Forests); R. S. Langton (Commercial Pine Forests); E. Maxwell (Taranaki Forests); M. Chambers (Hawkes Bay Forests), and V. G. Gribble (secretary). J n his opening address, Mr. J VV S M Arthur said in connection with the industry there were now 30,000 shareholders nh ft Zeal? n.d; 44 '000 »«*• were already planted, or being planted during the present season; the number of trees now planted or growing in nurseries was sufficient to plant 200,000 acres, or 100 trees per head of population in the Dominion. Xne practice of forestry in the Dominion dated from the beginning of the century, when the State commenced with the Kotorua plantations, said Mr. M'Arthur, borne six years ago the first company concerned with forestry was founded, and later otner~.pcncerns were floated. The customary uses of softwoods were being revolutionised by the paper, pulp, and artificial silk industries. Thus, if wild grown forests were becoming valuable' as investments, plantation forests should be of much greater value. .. Subsequent discussion centred round pulping, delegates expressing the opinion that this would come in time, but that it was necessary before undertaking it to have assured a sufficient quantity of timber. . ' .QUESTION OF PROPAGANDA. ft communication from the Commissioner of &ta^ Forests was read, which stated that inquiries from various sources for general information were being received from time to time, within and beyond Now Zealand, with respect to aiforestatkra companies and associations operating within the Dominion. The State Forest Service could not, of course, offer any advice as to the safe investment or otherwise with respect to afforestation companies, but as the.policy .of the Government was to encourage industrial afforestation and timber crop production by way of advice and other general methods of demonstrating the utility and profitableness of timber growing, it was felt that a greater degree of co-operation between the State Service and the afforestation companies could be ultimately assured, and should result in a better understanding and efficiency in' carrying out that important national industry. Reciprocation and full record of general publicity issued from time to time were desired.

A recommendation was made that this suggestion should be accepted for the reasons (1) that any company carrying out its obligations in a bona fide way would welcome publicity through official cognisance; (2) that it would lead to a better understanding of commercial afforestation, and pave tfte way for paternal consideration in any future legislation framed to cover the activities; (3) it would provide the companies with much necessary and valuable information upon economical and silvicultural research which the Dominion Government must carry out in the development of its forests policy, and furnish a wider field for the conducting of such, was brought forward. There was a strong recommendation to the executive that in view of the increasing number of companies, particularly iv Australia, whose policies respecting' the sale of bonds might be questionable, urgent consideration should be given to the making of conditions with which member companies and intending members should compulsorily comply, thereby retaining to member companies the hsill-mark of the association, making it diilicult for companies of doubtful repute to operate. No company should in future be accepted as a member until the executive was fully satisfied as to the literature intended to be issued, ite soundness and financial and general policy. It was decided that the matter of the supervision of the companies should be referred to the incoming executive for report and consideration. ASSOCIATION'S RULES. Rules were then discussed. The title of "The New Zealand Timber-Growers' Association, Incorporated" was agreed upon. The objects were: (1) To protect the interests of' companies engaged in afforestation work in New Zealand. (2) The collection and circulation among members of matters affecting their interests. (3) The fostering of public interest in forestry.

either by the State, public bodies, companies, or individuals, and the publication ot luiormation and matter which will further this object. (4) „The restraint of any influence relative to forestry detrimentally affecting the public interest. (5) ihe promotion of industries which will assist in a closer utilisation of all forest products. <fi) The promotion of forest education and research. (7) The co-opera-tion with the State.and with other associations for the purpose of advancing the ioregoing objects, and for that purpose to delegate any of its members with power' to act m that behalf. (8) The adoption ot resolutions whereby the transaction of the business of the association may be facilitated. Any company engaged "in or °v .isorestation work in New Zealand is eligible for nomination, and on being approved should be elected to the association; resignation by written notice. Officers shall be a president, two vice-presi-dents, trustee, and secretary, wno shall act as treasurer, auditor, and solicitor, all to hold offite until the election of their successors (any member of a member company appointed to act as representative to act as an officer).