FORESTRY COMMISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8366, 28 February 1913, Page 10

FORESTRY COMMISSION

CONSERVATION OF TIMBER.

Xffe' Forestry Commission, field another sitting at Parliament Buildings yesterday, and farmer discussed tffeir procedure and itinerary. Hie commissioners hope to l)6 m a position to maffe a piiu ii c announcement to-mor-row regaining tffeir itinerary of travel after finishing, at Invercargill. Borne correspondence was ■ received at yesterday s meeting, 'ifie writer of one memorandum was Mr G., E. numphries, builder, of Wellington, who suggested tnat the Government should not put settlers on valuable timber land until the timber had been cut by sawmliters, anci_ its value thus saved. 'lbis would obviate the loss of much valuable timber, in the case of mining leases especially. He also advocated conservation of native bush, wherever possible. . A memorandum by Mr A. Bathgate, Otago Institute, strongly advocated tho claims of Central Otago to the most strenuous efforts on the part of the Government in the matter of afforestation of the treeless regions. What had been done by the department in this connection was a mere nothing compared with what ought to have been done. He advised that extensive plantations should be made at, the head of the important streams in the mountains surrounding the Manuherikia and Molyneaux valleys. The commissioners leave for Christchurch, en route for Invercargill, by the Maori this evening. Present indications point to a very comprehensive and exhaustive inquiry, which will involve a great deal of work and personal inspection of scattered districts throughout the Dominion.' The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has forwarded tho following telegram to the Prime Minister: “Much dissatisfaction is being expressed locally that the sawmilling industry is not represented on the Forestry Commission, as the question of reafforestation is one deeply affecting the future welfare of this important industry, and we would respectfully urge the appointment of representatives.”