NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 22954, 11 May 1938, Page 2

NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB

ADDRESS OK FORESTRY At the fortnightly meeting Mr Skipworth outlined the forestry system in New Zealand, which, although' established very late in the history of the country, is showing results similar to those achieved in other parts of the British Empire and in many other countries. In the course of his remarks Mr Skipworth stated that everyone would like to see native forests, and as much land as possible of that which was unsuitable for agricultural purposes should be preserved in its native state. The problems connected with native forest, however, were very complicated, and it would take years of scientific research before they could be placed on an economic basis. Considerable work had already been done with the kauri of North Auckland, the rimu of Westland, and the beech of Southland, but, unfortunately the work was seriously interrupted during the depression. Exotic trees, on the other hand, had been experimented with in Europe for many years, and the principles of silviculture were well established on scientific lines. Whereas Germany and other countries of Central Europe had large areas of natural pine forest, the whole of the British Empire, with tne exception of Canada, lay outside the coniferous timber belt. Britain wa« early forced to attend to her forests, in order to supply her naval needs ol oak hulls and pine spars. Although the demand no longer existed for this class of material for shipbuilding, the forests of Britain' proved a valuable national asset during the Great,War. If we wished to ensure a plentiful and certain' supply of timber, the only practical method appeared to be' the planting of exotic trees. The same problem had arisen in all parts of the British Empire, and in all cases largo plantations of exotic trees had been made. If a plentiful supply of timber from exotic trees was available at a low price it would mean further protection for the inative forests, as the cost o! milling in inaccessible places would be prohibitive. Mr Skipworth showed specimens of the various coniferous trees used in forestry, and explained- their,.- characteristics. Mr Williams proposed a hearty vote of thanks. ouraooß meeting. On Saturday afternoon there was a good attendance of members, when the beaches on both sides of Black Head and the patch of bush above the sandhills were visited. 1 Among the shrubs in this area are found myrtle, coprosma, ribbomvood, pennantia, leafless lawyer, parsoni, and a climbing senecio. On a gnarled ngaio the climbing fem Cyclophorus was growing, while on the floor of -the bush were luxuriant dumps of the dark-fronded fem Pellaea rotundifolia and various forms of Asplenium. Several fungi were found in the fields, and other varieties were seen on dead wood and on lupine. i