GROWING POWER POLES.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 175, 10 March 1927, Page 5

GROWING POWER POLES.

THAMES VALLEY SCHEME. Planting- Starts Next Season. Correspondence relating to the Thames Valley Electric Power Board’s project of growing trees suitable for use as transmission poles was tabled at last week’s meeting of the board. Mr. W. G. Morrison, Conservator of Forests, wrote stating that he would reserve sufficient stock of E. Eug'enoides to plant 20 acres, which it was the intention of the board to plough ready for the coming season, also a small number of several other species which it was thought would do well on the board’s land. No Californian redwood was available at present, but it was probable that a larger number of well-grown seedlings would be available next year. This was not suitable for a fire belt after three years. The timber from C. Lawsoniana, which was suitable for a fireproof belt, had a very high reputation for durability. While the growth was not rapid, satisfactory progress was made under good conditions. Mr. Price did not think Lawsonianas would make a good fire belt. The Chairman : They are too slow growing, at any rate. The matter is in the hands of a committee, which will report. Mr. Pohlen endorsed Mr. Price’s opinion that Lawsonianas were no use as a fire belt as they appeared to burn readily. Mr. Campbell, district public Works engineer, wrote forwarding a plan of the board’s section at Waitakaruru where tree-planting operations are to he undertaken. One road, it was stated, had not been closed and was therefore excluded from the title. It was impossible at present to indicate the limits of the railway reserve. Mr. Price moved that the board should define its policy in regard to the deviation to the road and the railway going through the property. —Carried,.