CONSERVATION OF FORESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7656, 5 June 1886, Page 5

CONSERVATION OF FORESTS.

RESIGNATION OF MR. H. McILHONE. Wk understand that Mr.' H. Mcllhone has resigned his position as Ranger of Forests under the following circumstances. When he was appointed he understood that he would only be required to pay occasional visits to the Puhipuhi forest and the other forests under his care. This he has done during the time he has been in office. The letters received by him from the department at the time of his appointment seem. to bear out the idea that he was not expected to do more than visit the forests at intervals. Since then, however, he has received letters from Dr. Kirk, the Chief Conservator of Forests, directing him to take up his residence at the Puhipuhi bush, and never to be absent, except with leave. Mr. Mcllhone was of opinion that such ail order was absurd. The chief danger of destruction to a kauri forest is by tire, and there can be no forest lire in the winter time in New Zealand. Mr. Mcllhone also recommended, we understand, that gumdiggora should be allowed to dig gum in the forest during the ■winter. There was undoubtedly ft strong political influence against his holding the appointment, as it was thought that he could "work" the Bay of Islands roll so as to assist in ousting the present member. It could scarcely be expected that for the salary paid—£lso per annum—Mr. Mcllhone could establish a homo at the Puhipuhi forest, many miles from any habitation, and reside there continuously ; and evidently this was not contemplated when the appointment was made. However, that is insisted upon now, and we understand that a few days ago Mr. Mcllhone received a telegram from the Native Minister, who has charge of the Forest Department, telling him that he had better resign. This Mr. Mcllhono at oncc did. The Government have certainly not acted judiciously in this matter. Surely, before making any appointments, they ought to have made up their mind as to what it was they wanted, and have stipulated that these services they should get. If the person to whom they offered the appoiutment would not accept on these terms, then they could have looked out for some other, but it is rather inconsistent to appoint a man for one set of duties and then send him about his business because ho does not do something else. Undoubtedly, rangers are required for the preservation of such forests as Puhipuhi, and these must be resident there, at all events during the whole of the summer months. But from the first, in working the Forests Department, the Government do not seem to have known what they would be at, and this last episode would seem to show that they are not making any progress.