STATE FOREST SERVICE

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3577, 7 April 1927, Page 2

STATE FOREST SERVICE

ACTIVITIES IN: THE WELUNG* • TON DISTRICT. In conversation with a ‘‘Times” Reporter. -the Conservator of the* State Forests said that the Wellington district has been singularly neglected in the matter of State - Forests,. ,othe» provinces having State forests practically at their back doors, while Wellington has had to look as far afield as Rotorua and Kangaroa. Obviously this increases the price of in view of tho higher railage that has 1 to be paid, and a move by the Taihape Chamber of Commerce would appear to have the object of alleviating this position.' .« ... . - The -Sendee made a move to : purchase the Karioi Testate, and the project met with a deal of adverse criticism, particularly from the Local Body mentioned. The outcome of it all was that the Chamber appointed two independent farmers to report on tho suitability or otherwise of the estate for the purpose of agriculture, it being thought that the locality was ideal for ether-sheep or cattle. When the report was brought down, it was found that the country was. most unsuitable for agricultural purposes of any kind whatsoever and the Forest Service went ahead and made, tho purchase. The Estate has-all the natural advantages that a forest should have, the danger of fire being almost negligible. The ground is of such a na- . ture that even in the event of a fire. . a firebreak could be formed with the utmost simplicity. The area, which is bounded on one side by a .river, is practically rabbit-proof, , and- in addition, is easy..-of access. Such a property* • which is to- be planted with 34D00 acres of trees la 1 the next ten years, will prove of !m- ---; mense value, and will, in years to i come benefit Palmerston North, because being nearer than any other , forest of .building timber it will tend to cheapen the cost of building. The Wellington region is in a position to pay-for the planting of the i area out of its surplus revenue.