WASTE LANDS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32543, 2 March 1945, Page 5

WASTE LANDS

(To the Editor.) Sir, —At the present time local authorities are giving some consideration to soil conservation and the control of noxious weeds. It is suggested that the solution of these problems would be the planting of trees on waste laris, but the definition of waste land is not very clear, and it is amusing to note that some people have a crazy notion that any land higher or even as high as a stop-bank should be planted in trees to keep the weeds down. 'However, when it is decided where to start planting trees, the most important question is, what kind of trees to plant A representative 'of one local authority declared that the planting of pine trees was a crime. That is so, unless precautions are taken to isolate the plantations from the native bush. Somehow or other pines seem to grow in these hills just for the joy of living here for a few years, then the sunshine sets them alight perhaps,

and then the ground they occupied becomes a hot-bed for noxious weeds, particularly ragwort. Which reminds me that this weed is causing the powers that be grave concern lately, and those who neglect to eradicate the weed may expect trouble. This reminds me of some parents who, having allowed their children to develop anti-social habits, often resort to drastic measures in an endeavour to redeem them.

As regards planting of trees, I have often wondered why more of our native trees are not planted. Many of them will not carry fire like pines do.

Very soon large numbers of seedlings will rise from the forest floor. Most of them could be carefully removed for transplanting and, provided this is done at the proper time, they will grow almost anywhere.—l am, etc. T. COTTER. Karangahake, 26:2:45.