FORESTRY REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1926, Page 3

FORESTRY REPORT

WESTLAND FOREST EXPERIMENT STATION. The experimental work in connection with restocking the rut-over indigenous forest lands near Hokitika with exotic species was* further advanced by the li'nnting of 109.268 trees on 130 acres, and the total area restocked. including 12 acres on dredge tailings, now stands at 482 acres. Ihe principal species planted were insignis nine (Pinus radiatn), Pinus murieata, Finns Larieio, and Finns pinaster, while trial lots of Cupressus maevocarpa, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Crytomeria japonica, Sequoia sempervirens, Popuius fastigata, Populus monilifera, Cunninghamia. sinensis. Eucalyptus viminaiis, E. Macartlmri, E. obliqua. E. regnans, and E. Gunnii were also planted in selected positions located in the detail surveys executed prior

to planting operations. Two-year transplants, instead or yearling trees, has been used during the past planting season, so that they might compete upon more favourable terms with the vigorous growth of fern and scrub, which has necessitated periodical clearing in order to save the young trees from suppression. The establishment of sixteen sample pots permits the compilation of accurate and valuable data relating to the growth and adaptability of the various species introduced and the ultimate planting of only proved acclimatizable timber-

trees. . Recognizing the importance ot tins experimental work to the whole of the Westland Province, special precautions against loss by fire have been taken. In addition to the usual lookout and patrol system water-holes have been dug at short intervals along the adjoining much-frequented tourist road from Hokitika to South Vestland. and tire-buckets and portable fire-fighting pumps installed. experimental planting on dredge TAILINGS. As the results obtained from the experiments undertaken at the icquest of the Hon G. J. Anderson, Minister of Mines, of planting exotic species on dredge tailings at Rimu, near Hokitika, were so successful, a further 7,532 trees of the same species were planted <m 12 neves of dredge tailings during the recent planting season.. It is yet too early to comment definitely on the recent planting, and results will be available next season from the sample plots established on the area.