KAURI PRESERVATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1947, Page 10

KAURI PRESERVATION

STATE FOREST POLICY OUTLINED REPLY TO CRITICISM In view of the recent criticism of the policy adopted by the State Forest Service in its control of the Waipoua Forest, the Commissioner of State Forests, Mr. Skinner, said in a statement at Wellington that it was decided to make known the proposals concerning the future of the forest. Much of the criticism had come from persons who had never seen Waipoua. or who had no knowledge of the kauri and its habits. On thp other hand, the State Forest Service, in framing its policy, had been guided by its experience with the observation of the kauri. The policy was not based on guesswork, but on facts gathered over a long period. Mr. Skinner sai'd that under the present arrangement portion of the forest.was to be left undisturbed, except for the removal of dead or dving trees. In the opinion of the New Zealand Institute of Foresters, an independent, professional body, the removal of this dead and dying timber would create more favourable conditions for the regeneration of kauri, and was in accord with fundamental and universally accepted principles. The area to be reserved would be so selected as to adjoin the State highway, thus preserving the scenic value of the forest. The balance of the forest was to be worked under a long-term plan, providing for the removal of mature trees. The growth of young kauri and other species would be encouraged and in this way the forest should yield timber in regular quantities for all time. This followed the precedent set in many of the historically famous forests of Europe, where the application of the principles of forest management had resulted in an increase in yield of timber.

Mr. Skinner said he had been impressed with the manner in which the problem of timber production and conservation had been tackled by the Forest Service and its keenness to preserve for ever the country’s native timber. He would not have concurred in the policy adopted for Waipoua had he not felt sure, that it was based on sound principles, Deputations from all over the country had waited on him from time to time requesting an increase in the production of kauri and the loosening of controls. In spite of the fact that timber was required for purposes lor which kauri had always been regarded, as a virtual necessity, such as boat building and the making ol churns and vats, he had consistently refused to recommend the Government to deviate from its present policy of kauri preservation. He shared in the pride with which the kauri forest was held throughout the country. He would do everything in his power to see that the kauri and other native forests were not only protected, but also extended.