REPRODUCTIVE WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 62, 15 March 1933, Page 3

REPRODUCTIVE WORK

A NATIONAL PLAN

TREE PLANTING IN NEW ZEALAND

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Thinking men throughout the country regard the question of reproductive work for unemployed as the most important domestic issue facing our Dominion. Morally as well as economically a solution must be found. It matters not whether traditional customs or even Acts of Parliament stand in the way—all obstacles have simply "got to go." Further, as it seems obvious that the community will not be in a position to absorb this surplus labour in the ordinary channels for, say, five years to come, this should be frankly recognised and a considered policy laid down, which will at least make the best of the unfortunate position. *

This policy should be of a national character, as ample evidence is forthcoming to emphasise the futility of local bodies, either jointly or severally, being able, notwithstanding the earnestness of their delegates, to find local schemes that would even form part of a comprehensive national plan. For years past the New Zealand Forestry League has advocated afforestation as a work particularly suited to unskilled labour, and also one which without question comes under the desirable category of being reproductive. What, I ask, can more rightly be put forward as the foremost plank in a Dominion-wide programme than tree-planting? Although this is generally admitted, petty difficulties and differences of opinion have in the past militated against any general adoption of such policy. The time has come for action, and if the country definitely makes up its mind on that point, then surely those in authority will clear the way. President Roosevelt, stepping into high office amidst a welter of financial troubles of an unprecedented character, nevertheless has already found time to announce his intentions on the great issue of unemployment. His plan in brief is to raise 500,000,000 dollars, organise the workless into camps, and prosecute _ a vigorous programme of afforestation. Such a pronouncement is but characteristic of the President's great namesake—courage, action' practicability. Why not follow this lead so far as our Dominion is concerned f Money? Well money is now being found, and largely for useless works, or at least works ahead of the needs of the times.

Afforestation, scientifically planned and directed by the State Forest Service, cannot fail to bring in a compound reward in thirty years' time whilst benefits direct and indirect would accrue to every citizen in the interim by way of improved climatic conditions, water conservation, prevention of erosion, or protection from sand encroachment.

Much can be said in favour of the present policy of levying the people rrom year to year to provide the money for unemployment relief, but should a bold policy of afforestation result in overstepping this sum total of revenue, then, rather than such a work should be curtailed, it would justify a long-term, internal loan. It may be rightly argued that as posterity will reap the actual Teward posterity might well be asked to repay the principal moneys expended—pay them out of profits, retaining the residue with feelings of gratitude towards those of the present time who displayed a reasonable measure of foresight. Under such a financial arrangement interest on the loan might well be a charge on the common fund of the Unemployment Board, whilst maintenance costs could be provided for by funding a portion of the loan moneys for that purpose until revenue from the thinnings of the forests would meet this necessary expense. I hear my reader ask, "But where is the available land for such a scheme?" A very pertinent and proper question! Apart from large areas of second and thirdclass lands still held by the Crown, there are thousands of square miles of country scattered over the Dominion suitable only for afforestation. The sand dunes of the Nor,th Island from Otaki to north of Manakau Harbour provide a splendid field for successful afforestation. "Water conservation areas, river sources, waste areas, and steep hilly country—all arc suitable, provided such areas will not be beyond the reach of reasonably (anticipated) transport facilities in, say, twenty-five years hence.

True, a number of areas highly suitable for planting (although now but the breeding grounds of noxious weeds) are privately owned. No better time than the present could be seized upon to purchase such lands, either by cash at a nominal price or by State warrants bearing a low rate of interest and entitling the seller to a fixed proportion of the timber crop when harvested. In any ease, as I predicated in the beginning of this letter, "Where there is a will there is a way," and a national objective should have its path cleared of obstacles. ■

Space will not permit of any lengthy dissertation on the probable value of timber and timber products. Suffice it to say that even today in many towns and cities in Scandinavia, Finland, Germany, and elsewhere the timber revenue from, community-owned forests pays all the municipal expenses and enables a cash bonus to be paid to every dweller of such towns or cities.

Emphasising the future world-wide shortage of wood, let me quote one country, the United States of America, of which the Institute of Forest Genetics in California reports: "If we are to remain a nation of timber users we must become a nation of wood growers." And again: "Every Sunday edition of a big city newspaper eats up tho pulp-wood from sixteen acres." And again: "All told, we must cut 250,000,000 trees every year, decreasing our forest area by 18,500 square miles." Verb. sap.

In conclusion, if the Prime Minister would issue a patriotic "call to arms" of all those throughout the Dominion who could be of real assistance in formulating a State-wide policy, I am confident that such a conference would bear fruit and give fresh heart both to the citizens and to the unemployed worker, who has had his fill of chipping weeds by the roadside, and who would feel a thrill of pride in planting trees for the far-reaching benefit of his country.—l am, etc.,

A. LEIGH HUNT, Chairman N.Z. Forestry League, March 14. •