THE DOMAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5918, 4 November 1880, Page 6

THE DOMAIN.

TO THE EDITOR. Sm,—The Domain Board, having first delegated their authority to their chairman and curator, have now- complemented their action in a fitting manner by endorsing, both individually and collectively, the action of the curator. Mr. Albiu Martin has dealt with the question from the naturalist's point of view-; but while admitting that view to be an important one, is not the utilitarian view, the £. s. d. view, worthy of some notice? The oaks, &c, were not planted with a special view to their some day yielding a cash return; but yet their beiu<» allowed to remain a reasonable time would have some day resulted in a hr.ndsome sum, and there is no reason why they should be prevented doing so. My contention is that, for timber purposes, the oaks have suffered a permanent injury. I grant in its entirety the expediency of" treating trees differently for different objects. Some, as specimen trees, to be severely let alone ; others carefully and judiciously pruned, but not recklessly denuded of all their boughs, resulting in a new crop of twigs (to be followed by knots) on the whole surface. Probably, as many :is five hundred trees have been cut down or killed, during the last three years, mainly because they appear to have become eyesores to some of the members. These trees, averaging about twenty-five years of age, had developed wonderfuly, but had not any appreciable commercial valne, for lack of age; but, if they had been allowed to remain a further term, say twenty-five or thirty years, each of them would then have had a commercial value, which, at a low estimate, would be over three pounds per tree. The despised gums and poplars, as well as the Scotch (or kindred) pines would all, by that time, have had a cash value. And why not? It cannot be that the Board has no room to experiment in forestry, as the large area of the Domain at once proves the contrary.—l am, &c, F. C. Sik,—l would suggest that, instead of the Domain Board visiting the Domain, as proposed, after judgment given, it would be more satisfactory to the public if a fewqualified persons were to proceed there, and report. Sir. Swanson or Mr. Cherry both know something of native trees. If they would go, in company with one or more who have practical knowledge of other ornamental trees, there would be more confidence in their judgment than in those who were so easily led to approve at the meeting of the Board.—l am, &c, E. C. T.