FORESTRY PROBLEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17253, 1 September 1919, Page 9

FORESTRY PROBLEMS.

ACTIVE POLICY NEEDED.

CONSERVATION AND PLANTING.

THE WOOD PULP INDUSTRY. [ST TELEGRAPH. REPORTER.]

WELLINGTON. Saturday. The Deed for an active forestry policy is emphasised by the Parliamentary Industries Committee in the course of its import. The committee recommends; inter s?iia—

1. That there be established a Department of Forestry, which shall be separate from and not subsidiary to any other Department of State,.and that it be the duty of that Department to determine what lands shall be permanently set aside as forest reserves; also, that . provision be made ensuring continuity and permanency of policy for definite periods-of years, as has been done in New South Wales.

2. That at the earliest moment- a scien-tifically-trained expert shall be appointed as chief forester; that one of ms first duties shall be to determine for tire whole of New Zealand what Crown lands, whether of bush or open land, shall be set % apart for forest reserves; and, further, where necessary and in districts where insufficient Crown lands are available'; he should recommend the _ resumption .of areas of private land lor the above purpose. Land once- reserved for forest purposes shall be inalienable for any other purpose, except by Act of '"'Parliament. The committee recognises that once the forester, is appointed other reforms will follow, including the organisation of the Department. 3. That immediate steps be taken "to bring about a great speedingup in the planting of quick-growing exotic trees. 4. It is important that immediate (steps be taken to settle, beyond dispute what is the increment volume per acre- per annum. of timber produced by the timber trees'in our native forests growing under "forest conditions l(vi nrt , 5. The placing of restrictions "■ upon export is regarded as an imperative necessity. >.' 6. Lands at the head of and forming the catchment areas of rivers, should be permanently reserved as forest' areas. 7. That as soon as practicable * chair of forestry be established in- one of tho university colleges. 8. That a,seed store for the supply of forest seeds true to name and of the most approved varieties, as promised by the Government more than a year ago be established without further delay. 9. That efforts be made to educate public opinion as to the value of forests and the necessity of preserving them from destruction by fire. The establishment of the wood pulp industry would provide considerable employment, and it is very desirable that we should be independent of foreign- supplies of paper. It is recommended that assistance by way of bonus at so much per ton, say, the first 6000 tons manufactured be given to any company, provided it furnishes to the Government satisfactory evidence that sufficient supplies of suitable timber are available to ensure the permanency of its operations. The committee recommends extensive planting ot trees suitable for pulp manufacture. It is sneirested that the poorer land. the West Coast and .Southland afford the most promising locations.