NEW ZEALAND TIMBER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21348, 30 May 1931, Page 16

NEW ZEALAND TIMBER

A WATCHFUL POLICY. (From Oub Own Correspondent.) LONDON, April 24. A contributor to Empire Production has an article on Empire timber growing, relative to New Zealand records. The writer considers that in calling the attention of the House of Commons recently to the question of Empire timbers, Mr P. J. H. Hannon, one of the members for Birmingham, rendered a distinct service alike to the people of Great Britain and of the dominions. This is one of those matters in which visualised schemes of Empire independence present themselves as capable of ready realisation, and the reminder is all the more timely in view of the controversy that is proceeding over the question of Russian timber imports, and the conditions associated with labour in the Russian timber lands. Indications point to a shortage of timber in various parts of the world in the not far distant future. Only in one or two of the most progressive countries have the principles of afforestation been applied on scientific lines. There is all the more reason, therefore, for bringing vision to bear in formulating a comprehensive policy of timber growing within the British Empire. “To do it justice,” the article proceeds, “ New Zealand, although it has not so far balanced removals with renewals, is keenly conscious of the trend of events, and is doing its utmost to set its house in order. An alert Timber Growers’ Association stands keenly watchful of a forest policy which was initiated 11 years ago, with the object of promoting the economic development of timber areas, regulating stream flow, anu ensuring the conservation of water supplies and the maintenance of climatic stability.” The particular virtues of the kauri, totara, matai, rlmu, puriri, kohekohe, pukatea, kahikateu, and tawa are indicated, a good deal of useful information having been obtained by close study of growths in the New Zealand forests. Meanwhile, one reads, material for instructive comparisons may be found in the records of timber exports from and imports into New Zealand for the years 1924-1928. The figures are quoted, and the writer concludes: ,

“ The moral of the figures from an Empire standpoint is obvious. There is room for changes in the incidence of the timber trade which would be fraught with undeniable advantages alike to the dominions individually and to the Empire as a whole. Mr Hannon struck a note which ought to find a responsive echo among the people concerned.”