EMPIRE FORESTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10712, 9 October 1928, Page 5

EMPIRE FORESTRY.

GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON TO OVERSEAS DELEGATES - PREMIER WELCOMES DISTINGUISHED VISITORS LORD CLYNTON STRESSES IMPORTANCE QF MOVEMENT ... N.Z. MADE GREATEST PROGRESS 'IN BRITISH COUN- ' TRIES ; - CPresß -- WELLINGTON, Oct x 5. At the luncheon given by the Government to tlie, Empire Forestry delegates, in proposing the toast or “Our Guests” the Prime Minister said it was a unique privilege for those present to have the' opportunity of meeting such distinguished visitors from all parts of the Empire. Their presence showed the importance of the question of forestry and more than that, n desire to get together and know the Empire. Itbrought home-to them the necessity of trading within their own family. Menibers of the delegation might have been surprised at the welcome they received in the harbor this morning (Laughter), but there was an old Maori saying “To arrive with tear* is to leave with smiles”. They in New Zealand were proud of the stock from which they sprang, and members of the delegation could be assured of a. hearty welcome in all parts .of the country. The object of the forestry conference was to get to know what was happening in various ; parts of the Eimpire, and to endeavour to use the forestry resources of the Empire to _ the best advantage. Forestry questions were exercising the minds of leading men of all countries in the world at the present time. It was a matter lor regret that Lord Lovat was not present at the luncheon, for that gentleman was a true Empirebuilder in every sense of tlie term, and they were all looking forward to meeting him. All New Zealanders were interested in afforestatioii, and much good work, had been accomplished in the direction of conserving the forests and converting them to economic use. Tlie industry would bo completely and ■ thoroughly organised, and that involved most careful investigation' of the whole problem. New Zealand had. gone as far as any other country in regard to forestry and they were hoping for even greater progress as the result of the visit of the delegation. Apart altogether from strict business, the Government hoped they would get to know members better as representatives of sister portions of the Empire. (Applause). Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fraser (Wellington Central), endorsed all Mr Coates had said. The whole of the people of New Zealand were seized with the importance of the subject of forestry, and were proud of the department which was administering it. The department could be assured of the support of all sections of political thought in the Dominion. . Responding to the toast Lord Olynton assured those present that the delegation appreciated the welcome that had been extended to them. He ivas glad to know that all sections of New Zealand were keen on, the advancement of forestry. The Imperial side of their work could not be over emphasised for the matters they were discussing affected the whole Empire ,and its future welfare. It was essential they should know what was going on in various parts of the Empire. In England they had only just begun to restore forests which had been destroyed, TJUt Ctio question was a wider one than that. It was essential that every portion of the Empire should play its part, and for that reason they were glad to know what was being accomplished in New Zealand. In this connection he paid a tribute to the work of Sir Francis Bell, whom he described as the pioneer of forestry in New Zealand. The progress which had been made in New Zealand was greater than that of any ether portion of the Empire. (Applause). He did not believe a forester could be fully and successfully grained ;inj his ’.own country, and for that reason he thought members of the forestry service in New Zealand. should be given-an opportunity—to- visit forests ;iri other parts" of the world. Members' of the delegation . were looking forward to their visit to various portions of the Dominions. Mr E. H. Finlayson, Director of Forestry, Ottawa, also responded to the toast and expressed thanks for th© welcome which had been extended to members of the delegation. He referred to the. development of forestry in various parts of the Empire. He concluded by wishing Mr Coates and .Mr Fraser every success at the coming election (Laughter). The delegates leave for Dunedin to-night. The New Zealand quota, to the conference includes Mr E. P. Turner. Director of Forestry, and some dozen departmental officers.