FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21990, 22 December 1934, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS AGO

DISAPPEARING FORESTS ; NEED FOR PRESERVATION The preservation of New Zealand forests was engaging public attention half a century ago, when the matter was the subject of a special investigation by the Government. With an increasing local demand for timber, which also was exported to Australia, the forests even then were beginning to disappear, and it was felt remedial measures were essential. " The Government is at present taking into active consideration the question of New Zealand forests, and is arranging to have an exhaustive report made on the subject." stated the Nkw »ealan» Herald of December 23, 1884. "It is well that this matter, which becomes of - more serious consequence each year, is not to continue ignored. As time passes, so does the opportunity for making the necessary amount of reservation. It will be too late a few years hence, according to the present rate at which the woods are disappearing; and, moreover, the axe is busier each succeeding year, inasmuch as, besides the extending local demand, the chief colonies of Australia, having parted with their own woods, get timber from us. If New Zealand, too, completely loses her woods, her welfare will be prejudiced in various ways. North New Zealand is beginning to attract tourists, and their numbers are sure to multiply, providing we do not destroy the beauty of the landscape, to which the woodland is indispensable."