UNEMPLOYMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 12

UNEMPLOYMENT.

Sir, —I read with very great interest the letter by Mr. W. Scott, 0;; the Arbitration Court, on the above subject. One cannot help feeling that afforestation upon tfee lines suggested should prove efficient, as the money spent would be very reproductive. The money now spent upon work fop unemployed not only gives no return, but in numerous cases the work is done in. a very expensive manner, and in any case can only be a costly and temporary palliative. Thousands of acres 01; our Northern gum lands, which will not pay to farm on account of the high cost of labour and material, could be made lo yield a very handsome return from afforestation. Results from planting show that from £4OO to £SOO per aero cart be obtained from tree planting in 25 to 30 years. This is equal to over £ls per acre per annum. It is surprising, when we compare the results from poor land of this nature, which will return 400 per cent, mora per ai num than can be obtained from our very best farming lands, that the solution laid down by Mr, Scott has not been adopted. We could plant ono million acres over the next 10' years at a cost to bring them to maturity not exceeding eight million pounds sterling, which would, on a rotation period of 30 years, not only pay off the whole of our national debt,, but leave nearly the same amount in addition. The figures given are from reports made from the Forestry Department as to- the cost of planting and bringing the trees to maturity. The figures as to the national debt can 'be confirmed by estimating one million acres at the very moderate return of £4OO per a*tt\ over a 30year period. This matter is so important that if. should receive the very earnest consideration not only of the Government, but of every local body in New Zealand. I feel sure it will receive the hearty approval and' support of every thinking person. H. R. Cooke.