TREES FOR POWER POLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20302, 9 July 1929, Page 12

TREES FOR POWER POLES.

THAMES VALLEY SCHEME. DOUBT REGARDING FUTURE. [by TEr.EGRAI'ir. — OWN ( OHII ESPn.NDE.NT. ] TEi AHOIIA, Monday. Several years ago the Thames Valley Power Hoard purchased 400 acres of hill land near Waitakaruru at 15s 6d per acre in order to establish n plantation of trees that, on maturing, would serve the future requirements of the hoard in the way of [lower poles. Fourteen thousand trees of the eucalyptus euganioides species were planted, in addition to which thn plantation was fenced and firebreaks of non-inflammable trees planted. '1 lie experiment has not, in the opinion of some members of tho board, met with the anticipated success and at its next meeting members will consider a motion, notice of which has already been given, that the Finance Committee' bo empowered to dispose of the plantation. Of the first 14,000 trees planted 45 per cent, were failures. When these were replaced 20 acres had been brought into cultivation at a total cost of £l7 10s per acre. Thirty acres have no\v been planted at, a total cost of £l2 per acre. The scheme was based on an estimated expenditure of £19.000 over a, period of 30 years, at tho end of which period the board would possess nn inexhaustible supply of trees for its polo requirements.