TREE PLANTING

Evening Star, Issue 23863, 18 April 1941, Page 3

TREE PLANTING

In an address to the Dunedin Chamber of' Commerce lost night, Mr James Deans, of Honiebush, Canterbury, discussed various phases of afforestation. The Dunedin Chamber has always advocated the planting of trees,for commercial purposes, and Mr Deans detailed to members present at the meeting-his observations during a tour round Dunedin districts.

The speaker, in the course of his address, outlined what had taken place in the way of deterioration of our native forests since the beginning of the present century and the resultant flood damage. Intensive planting, he said, Was one way of combating the evil.

Several factors had to be considered when planting for commercial purposes, Mr Deans said, primarily the suitabiltiy of the trees to the locality, their quickness in maturing, and the close proximity to markets. There was a considerable area of land adjacent to Dunedin that was suitable for afforestation. Small farms and the planting of trees by the farmers concerned during winter months was one way of developing afforestation in the district, the speaker said. Tree planting would ultimately prove of immense value to the city, he added. At the conclusion of his address Mr Deans was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.