SELWYN PLANTATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18286, 23 December 1919, Page 5

SELWYN PLANTATIONS.

MEETING OF BOARD. The Selwyn Plantations Board mot J«sterday; present—Messrs H. D. Hosaard (chairman), G. Witty, M.P., J, Storry, W. Hall, R. M. Mortem, R. Nairn, G. Bedford and, W. T. Popple. ' WORK NEXT SEASON. The superintendent (Mr G. R. Robin®on) reported on proposed afforestation during the-coming season. With normal conditions, he said, some 125,000 frees would bo sufficiently advanced to permit permanent planting in the Hutumn and winter. The varieties were:—Pinus insignis, Pinus laricio, Knua ponderosa, and Eucalyptus (several varieties). Greater density was required in many plantations and that might easily be brought about by the (judicious planting or sowing of gums and pines. Tire presence of rabbits on the board’s reserves where afforestation might be applied did not enhance the Jprospeots of success, and complete success could only bo accomplished by enclosing the area by wire-netting, the present cost of which was almost prohibitive. The results of the past seaiwm’a planting operations were about ttp to expectations. Though his Bcheme might be carried out for an expenditure of about £6OO, until wire-netting was available it was advisable to proceed cautiously and rather devote more money for the year in other directions, Which would improve existing plantations, than undertake on a large scale afforestation work over 1 only partially protected areas. The report was adopted. PINE PLANTATIONS. •The superintendent reported on the Question of cutting out and milling Pinus insignis plantations. He said; Ifchat the increasing demand for pihe timber for cases, building timber, etc., Indicated that much success from a financial point of view would be the sreeult of milling the pine woods, but there were several factors that mado the proposal premature. If Unexpected tree-falling occurred, a scheme might bo drawn up for the most remunerative method of disposing of the fallen and standing timber without destroying spruces, birch, Corsican pine, eto., the presence of which would to some extent relieve the bareness caused by tlio removal of tall pines. At prevent no milling operations should be considered on the reserves, but the subject should be considered- later if uprooting of trc.es took place on, a larger feoale than could be dealt with by converting into firewood. The suggestions were approved. THE MONTH'S WORK. The superintendent reported that during the past month, nine carts had been used in distributing over eighty trucks (about 250 cords) of firewood from the plantations. Tho effective and speedy clearance of stacked firewood therefore was well under way. Thinning was being, steadily proceeded with, but probably there would he a Cessation of that work during tho approaching harvest season. Clearing water-races, outtiu; noxious plants, and Other general works we.re in hand. The report was adopted MISCELLANEOUS. Messrs Harper, Pascoe and Buohanan submitted regulations to be inserted in leases, empowering tho board to cut (timber and afforest new areas. It was decided that tho regulations should bo sent to tho Government with 'a request that they should be inserted in all future leases. Messrs Pago Bros, applied for a transfer,of their lease between Kirwee and Kimberley to K. Murchison, and asked; that an allowance should be mado to them. Consideration of the application was postponed until next meeting of tho Board. The - 'Ellesmere County Council wrote inquiring as to obtaining iron bark (trees suitable for bridges, piles, and electric polos. _ > The superintendent said that supplied all the information. Mr H. Cassidy, a lessee, wrote granting permission to tho Selwyn County Council to cart shingle through his reserve, but complaining that the gates had been left open. * It was decided to forward his letter to the County Council. The Malvern County Council wrote explaining why a water-raoe was made through Mr D. M’Loughlin’s reserve, Darfield. Mr Witty said that the County Council had entered the land without oonBulting the board. The race would loosen the roots of some trees and cause them to fall. It w',is decided, on the_ motion of Mr Hall, seconded by Mr Nairn, that the County Council should be asked why it had made the race without consulting the board, and that the board should not-allow the lessee to be saddled with the' cost. -Mr-G. O. Dailey wrote stating that he was not prepared to accept a lease of reserve 1764, Hororata. The letter wa9 received, and the superintendent was authorised to let the reserve for temporary grazing. The superintendent reported that receives 2676 and 2677, Armat. were in an unsatisfactory condition, and that he could not recommend the transfer’ of the leases. •It was decided to decline to grant the transfer until tho reserves were improved, and to inform the present lessee that they must be put into better condition. The secretary reported that tho receipts during the month had been £1261 8s Id, and the expenditure £277 15s sd, leaving a credit balance of £983 12s Bd.. Accounts amounting to £212 4s lid were passed for payment. It was decided that the board dhould make the annual inspection of reserves on January 12 and 13. . The secretary was instructed to write to Sir Francis Bell asking if the Government would investigate the blight that is attacking gum- trees in North Canterbury.