AFFORESTATION.

Evening Star, Issue 22817, 27 November 1937, Page 16

AFFORESTATION.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Dunedin Amenities Society a proposal of great importance to the city was discussed and approved. It embraces a plan for tree-planting on extensive areas in the coastal fringe stretching from Hayward’s Point, near Otago Heads, over to Waitati, and south as far as Port Molyneux. JVlost of this !ans is unproductive. Where that is the case the idea is to put it to profitable use and at the same time add to the beauty of that part of the province. The scheme, which is strongly advocated by Mr D. Tannock, is entirely practicable. The superintendent of reserves has proved that by his operations in the city watershed and in other places, where thirteen thousand acres have been planted. The trees have thriven in a remarkable way, and the Dunedin Corporation now owns the largest man-made forest of any municipality in the British Empire. Exotic trees that do particularly well on land such as that which it is proposed to use are pinus insignis. They grow quickly, and produce timber for which there is a constant demand. In contemplating a plan such as this it is essential that care shall be taken not to interfere with the native bush that remains, and that the magnificent views that make this city so attractive to visitors shall not bo spoilt in any way by the intrusion of exotic plantations. These points are contained in the resolution of the Amenities Society endorsing the plan, and' it is further recommended that the main approaches to the city shall be planted with the most attractive of our native trees. The first step will be to petition Parliament to agree to an enabling Bill that will permit the City Council to acquire land to fulfil the purposes of this latest afforestation enterprise that has been suggested. It is natural to expect that the proposal will be taken up with enthusiasm. All the circumstances are favourable. If launched, it would bo done under the guidance of Mr Tannock, whose expert knowledge of the conditions here and his experience of what has been accomplished in other countries would be invaluable. Time has shown that the trees will grow well and quickly, there will be a regular market for the timber, and what is most important from the economic point of view the costs of transport will be light. Still another advantage is that a large amount of labour will be constantly employed. Thus it can be seen that the scheme, if promptly put in hand and vigorously prosecuted, will in time be a source of great profit to the citizens. The present generation has much to thank the pioneers for, and in the afforestation plan now proposed it has an opportunity of following the example of those who served the city so well in the past.

A Press Association message from Wellington states that, through coming into contact with the propellers of the Awatea during the voyage from Sydney, a whale was hilled. The blades of the starboard propeller struck the Hank of the whale, and the sea was seen to be blood-stained for some distance in the wake of the ship. “ It is deplorable that such signs should be plastered over the countryside, and particularly over this line bridge,” said Mr J. Rodman (chairman) at the meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday, when consideration was beino; given to the reply of the Minister of Railways to the council’s letter protesting against advertising liquor signs on the overbridge at Deborah. The Minister pointed out that a contract had been completed, and the signs could not therefore be removed at this stage. The department considered there were no reasonable grounds for complaints, nor could the advertisements be regarded as a. possible danger to motorists. It was decided that the Minister be asked for an undertaking that the contract would not be renewed after it expires. A new danger to bathers in Lake Hattah has been discovered by Mrs W. J. Zimmer, wife of the chief forester at Mildura (says the Melbourne ‘Age’). It is an ant, new to science, and one of the most remarkable in the Southern Hemisphere. On several occasions recently local residents in that district have returned from a swim to find that their clothes, left on the ground, had been riddled by the tiny insects. Although partial to clothes, the ants actually live like cannibals. They frequently eat each other and also feast on the white ants found in that district. Specimens were forwarded recently to the National Museum, where they were recognised by Mr John Clark, etymologist, as belonging to an undescribed form. _ Mr Clark has decided to name it in honour of its discoverer so that it will be called Polyrachis Zitnmeri. The new ant is a species of polyrachis represented by many species in the Commonwealth.

It seems that the claim that there may be found a little good in the worst of men need not be confined to humanity, but that it can be applied with equal force to more humble forms of life. Most people find difficulty in envisaging a more objectionable inhabitant of Australia’s bush lands than the snake. However, when two naturalists can say something in favour of the snake (says the Melbourne ‘ Age ’), it cannot be lightly The Chief Inspector of the Fisheries and Game Department (Mr Lewis) endorses the statement of Mr Robert Eadie, an eminent Nature student, that the danger of the snake is greatly overrated. Nevertheless, it was hardly likely that any Government could be persuaded to protect it. He firmly believed that more people died from fear than from the actual poisonous effects of snake bite. To illustrate his point Mr Lewis related how he encountered a party of picnickers, among whom was a child that was seriously ill from “ snake bite.” He examined' the supposed bite and found that it was nothing but a scratch by a stick. The victim was fully recovered 10 minutes after being acquainted of the fact. It has also been proved that snakes destroy much vermin, and in justice to them it seems that man’s estimates will have to be revised l . Where is the race of athletes of which Ashmead Bartlett wrote in the days of Gallipoli? (asks the Melbourne ‘ Age’). According to Professor Harvey Sutton, in a health week talk, it has gone, and two-thirds of Australian manhood between the ages of 35 and 45 would be rejected as unfit for military service. If thi,s is so, the future of the Australian people is poor indeed, and it is time, therefore, that we stepped into line with other countries and thought upon the lines of national health and national physical fitness. Although we are accused of being a “ sport-minded ” nation, wo must admit that the number of spectators far outnumbers the competitors—spectators who love to see records broken, whether by horses or men, but never dream of taking an active part themselves. Of course, there have always been more onlookers, than participants, and Australia is by no means the only country where the general need for more general physical training is apparent. A step in the right direction is that of the New South Wales Government, which has decided to organise teaching services to give instruction in physical training.

The wholesale and retail prices of petrol were increased in Auckland by Id per gallon yesterday. Ordinary motor spirit is now costing 2s, and super 2s Id. The increase took effect as from midnight on Thursday, and although there had been rumours of a rise in price for some time past, quite a number of the resellers were taken by surprise. Although there was no public announcement of the new rates, motorists generally took the increase fairly well. As already announced, the same advance took place here.

An apparent auomoly in wireless rates for messages sent from ships when in New Zealand waters was noticed by Mr Arthur Barnett when the Strathmore was approaching Auckland. When only 100 miles from Auckland the rate for a delayed marconigram to Auckland was Gs 6d for 20 words. The charge for the same message with England (roughly 12,000 miles distant) ns its destination was ss. From the same locality the charge for a marconigram to New Zealand was Is. 2d per word and to Australia 6d per word. Such apparent injustice, Mr Barnett added, made travellers disinclined to use the service.

Satirical outbursts were heard at the Waitaki County Council meeting yesterday, when extracts from an application for a local bodies' employees’ award were read. The chairman remarked that some of the extravagant demands of the unions tended to destroy the co-operative spirit between local bodies and the employees, and had the bad effect of unsettling men who were perfectly satisfied under the existing conditions. The application was referred to by councillors as “ a masterpiece of ingenuity,” and one councillor suggested that only one thing was lacking: the request for no work between meals, payment to be made in advance. The Supreme Court was engaged throughout yesterday in hearing the case in which Nicholas Ouwejan, farmer, proceeded against the Lawrence Meat Company to recover the sum of £SOO, which he paid as the deposit on the purchase of the business. He alleged misrepresentation on the part of the company, and non-fulfilment of the terms of the contract. He asked ,for a declaration that the sale of the business and premises be declared void. Alternatively he sought an order that the contract be rescinded on the grounds that he entered into it on the strength of representations that were false, and on this claim he sought recovery of the Lengthy evidence was heard by His Honour Mr Justice Kennedy,_ and further hearing was adjourned till Monday morning. Mr A. G. Neill, with him Mr W. J. Meade, conducted the case for Ouwejan, and Mr J. S. Sinclair and Mr J. C. Mowat appeared for the defendant company*

We have received 10s for the Red Cross Eastern Relief Fund from “ L.J.K.” There will be a parliamentary broadcast from 2YA on Monday from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. and from 7.30 to 10.30 p.m. The shortage of water in the vicinity of Fairfield during the last few weeks has been causing grave concern to the householders. The supply for Walton School was exhausted and had to be supplemented .from outside. A meeting of residents was held on Thursday evening in the school, in conjunction with representatives of interested local bodies. It was decided, to apply to the Taieri County Council to investigate the position, pointing out the necessity of something being done. Accordingly that body discussed the matter yesterday and decided to ask Mr Fletcher Roberts to look into the possibilities of a local supply, and give an estimate of approximate cost. The Aorangi left Sydney on Thursday for Auckland with 37 bags of Australian mail and the London air mail of November 10. The air mail should bo to hand on Monday afternoon, and the ordinary mail on Wednesday morning. How bag-snatchers are born! He got off his car and preceeded at a fast pace towards his home. It was fairly cold and he had his overcoat muffled about his face. The only other person in sight was a woman whom he steadily overtook. She, apparently, was not aware of his presence until he was almost beside her. Then she started violently, released a cry that must have been heard some distance away had there been anyone to hear it, clutched her bag, cowered into the fence, and appeared as if about' to scream. Suddenly scared himself of a situation that might, though very innocent, prove awkward in the event of unexpected “ help ” coming for the woman, he took to his heels and ran.- “ Silly thing to do perhaps,” he told a ‘ Star ’ reporter, “ but I really did think for the moment that I must have intended to steal her bag.” Small boys may appreciate halfpennies, but one thing is certain tram conductors do not. The other evening a crowded car was city-bound. Someone tendered his fare, one penny, two halfpennies. The conductor registered disapproval, facially, and palmed the halfpennies. To his delight the next passenger handed him a threepenny piece. The halfpennies changed hands. Now it was the passenger’s turn to register disapproval, but not for long. Producing another penny he offered _ the three coins in payment of a friend’s fare. But the conductor succeeded in passing them on immediately. Then history repeated itself once again, for the new receiver of the halfpennies promptly paid the fare of his friend. Whereupon the conductor gave up the struggle and thrust the offending coppers deep into his bag—but he was heard to say something about halfpennies in general and two in particular. The Clutha Show is being held in beautiful weathen before a large attendance. The light and draught horses are outstanding, and the competitions a feature.—Clutha correspondent. Seeing what looked like a gas mask in the window of an Oamaru chemist, several Chinese entered yesterday with a view to sending some “ home ” to China. Upon learning that the appliance was the latest type of dust respirator, and quite unsuitable as a gas mask, Celestial smiles were the order of the day.

Notifications of Sunday services as enumerated below appear in our Sunday services advertising columns: —Anglican : St. Paul’s Cathedral, All Saints’. Presbyterian; First Church, Knox Church, St. Andrew’s, Musselburgh, St, Stephen’s, Koslyn, Kaikorai. Maori Hill. Methodist: Trinity, Central Mission, Mornington, St. Kilda, Caversham, Dundas Street, Abbotsford. Baptist: Hanover Street, Caversham, Mornington, South Dunedin, Roslyn, Sunshine, North-east Valley, Green Island. Congregational; Moray Place Church, United. Church of Christ: St. Andrew Street, North-east Valley, South Dunedin, York Place Hall. Salvation Army. Playfair Street Hall. Christian Science. Theosophical Society. Spiritualists. Orange Hall. The Artillery Band (Southern Command), conducted by Lieutenant A. W. E. Webb, will render a selected programme at the Botanic Gardens to-morrow afternoon at 3. A collection in aid of the baud funds will be taken at the various entrances. The Railway Department advertises in this issue of a special cheap day excursion Dunedin to Invercargill on Sunday, December 5. Two fast trains will be run to Invercargill, returning the same day. The Railway Department advertises in this issue particulars of altered running of the usual 4.42 p.m. Duncdin-Palmerston train on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, commencing on Monday, December 6. The Military Band of the Otago Regiment will play a select programme at St. Clair to-morrow afternoon. We have received £1 Is for the Red Cross Chinese fund from Bishop Fitchett. Eye strain—for eye comfort, for better vision, consult Stunner and Watson Ltd., pptieians, 2 Octagon, Dunedin.— [Advt.]