AFFORESTATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21022, 10 May 1930, Page 14

AFFORESTATION.

PEBBLY HILLS SCHEME. WORK TO COMMENCE SHORTLY. ( Special to Daily Times.) INVERCARGILL, May 9, The preliminary work in connection with the Government afforestation scheme at Pebbly Hills will be commenced practically immediately. Mr N. J. Dolamore, conservator of State forests in Southland, stated to-day that three or four men would commence fencing repairs, firewood cutting, etc., on Monday, preparatory to starting the main work as soon as possible. Some little time would elapse before full possession could be secured, but it was expected that the proclamation of intention to take the land would be gazetted this week, in which event such work as could be done without interfering with the present tenants and their stock would be commenced. It will be necessary for the planting, compartments, internal roads, and firebreaks to be surveyed, boundaries fenced and netted, and the rabbits completely eradicated before the major work can commence. Eabbitera have worked the area fairly thoroughly during the last few years, but all remaining rabbits must be destroyed before tree planting can be undertaken. Some of the buildings on the area will nepd to be altered and removed to suitable sites for use as cookhouses, etc. Mr Dolamore stated that the area to be planted this season had still to be decided. The number of men required for tree planting would depend on the area to be planted, but in any event employment would be provided for a fair number.