FIRES ON CROWN LANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 27

FIRES ON CROWN LANDS.

QUESTION OF RE-SOWiNG. BLENHEIM, March 10. The question of rehabilitating Crowij lands which have been denuded by buslfc fires caused nmich discussion at the meet* ing of the Marlborough Land Board to> day. An offer from a settler to sew grasv\ on part of the State forest which had been cut out, and on which there had been «• good burn, on condition that he was grantee* a grazing right until the whole block was' cut out was declined, and members of the board urged that Crown lands denuded by fire had to be sown so .is to prevent their being ruined or reduced in value by ferns and noxious growth. The Commissioner, however, demurred to the department undertaking the work, as he feared thai the demand for aeed would rase the price ■on settlers. It- was pointed out that a rise of id or Id per pound in price wae a small matter compared with £he amount saved to the State by keeping the land in good condition. It was suggested that strong representations be made to the Miniser on the subject, and it was resolvec? that the Minister be recommended ta authorise the sowing of land cut out in forests, and all other burnt Crown lands, as soon as possible, and to open them fo< settlement. It was also resolved that in all cases where sawmilling timber has been cut out of State forests the land be opened for settlement as speedily a& possible. It is estimated that 2000 bushels of graes seed will be required to sow the Crown lands which have been burnt in Marlborough. WELLINGTON, March 11. Sir J. G. Wa.rd believes it will be found that the damage by bush firee is not nearly so bad as was stated in the first instance. From information before him before he left Auckland it was evident that the grass seed required for regrassing the fire-swept land will not run into more than £20,000 or £30,000 for the whole of the Auckland provincial district. Considering the area affected by the fires, this is not by any means a large sum.