THE RIVERHEAD BLOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19195, 8 December 1925, Page 6

THE RIVERHEAD BLOCK.

TREE-PLANTING MOVEMENT. [r,Y TEMSORAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] KUMRir, Monday. The recent visit of tho Hon. A. D. McLeod to tlic district last week has renewed tho hopes of local residents that early action will bo taken to have the Rivcrfiead homestead block planted in suitable forest trees. Although the major portion of the block is suitable only for pines, there are some valleys which Mr. Campbell, of the Forestry Department, suggests should be planted with Californian redwood. The suitability of the poor gum land for tho growing of pinus radiata is amply demonstrated by a plantation adjoining tho block planted by Mr. G. T. \Y. Green, which was inspected by the Minister on his tour of inspection. Mr. Wickens, who was for many years in charge of plantations in Christchurch, has stated that these trees have shown more progress than any other plantations he has inspected. Trees planted five years ago in the teatree scrub are now 12ft. to 15ft. in height. A suggestion which could perhaps be adopted by the Government in connection with this work was put forward by Mr. J. A. Lambden. lie pointed out the possibility of settlers on adjoining sections growing the necessary trees for planting, under suitable supervision. Many of the settlers have proved that trees raised at Rotorua on the, pumice land do not do as well when planted out on the gum hills tw do locally-grown trees.