FUTURE OF THE KAURI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20890, 4 June 1931, Page 10

FUTURE OF THE KAURI.

HOPES FOR REGENERATION.

NOTED EXPERT'S OPINION. VISIT TO WAIPOUA FOREST. The rugged nature and imposing appearance of the kauri tree made a deep impression upon Mr. R. St. Barbe Baker, a noted authority on afforestation, and formerly assistant Conservator of Forests in Kenya and Nigeria, who returned yesterday from a visit to the Waipoua State kauri forest in North Auckland. Mr. St. Barbe Baker made a close inspection of the forest under the guidanco of Mr. Arnold Hansson, tho officer in charge, and in company with members of the Dargavillo Chamber of Commerce. Mr. St. Barbe Baker said there was something so characteristic of the country about the magnificent trees that, apart from tho commercial aspect, tho aesthetic and sentimental value of the forest should not bo overlooked.

The visitor said he was very impressed with the natural regeneration of the kauri taking place as tho result of the experimental cultural operations being carried out by the Forestry Department. This regeneration was apparent in all ages and he felt confident that if the cultural operations wero extended there should be no reason to fear for the future supplies of this most valuable species. Tho kauri pine, he said, was a case where pure plantations were not likely to succeed. In the early stages of its growth it required shade trees of. another variety and as the seed germinated directly it reached the ground it was difficult to transport tho species. Mr. St. Barbe Baker felt that much of the country in the northern area was eminently suited for tho regeneration of the kauri and ho saw no reason why this species should not be perpetuated for all time, proving a valuable source of revenue.

Mr. St. Barbo Baker will sail for Sydney to-morrow by tho Marama, en route to England, where he will attend the centenary meeting of tho British Association for the Advancement of Science. He is to read a paper on the world forest situation. He is at present preparing a, work, " The Book of the Tree," dealing with tree lore and mythology through tho ages, and he proposes, with the aid of Mr. Elsdon Best, of tho Dominion Museum, Wellington, to. include two chapters on Maori tree lore.