AFFORESTATION

Southland Times, Issue 20174, 10 May 1927, Page 4

AFFORESTATION

TO RELIEVE UNEMPLOYMENT. SUGGESTION TO WAR FUNDS ASSOCIATION. That an afforestation scheme for Southland should be undertaken by the War Funds Association with the object of providing employment for returned soldiers was the suggestion put forward by Mr T. McCarroll at the annual meeting of the Southland War Funds Association yesterday. Mr McCarroll said that one of the matters exercising the minds of those interested in unemployment was that of providing a suitable industry for returned soldiers. He suggested that an afforestation scheme should be considered. It was easily handled and if a reliable man were chosen as foreman the men would easily carry out the work of planting trees. A suitable property could be purchased, possibly out of the general funds. It might be urged that no revenue would be available for a long time from the scheme but it would be a national asset and would benefit the country as a whole. It would certainly absord the unemployed during the winter months. The scheme could be put into operation within easy reach of Invercargill, and an encampment could be formed. Last winter only the married returned soldiers had been found employment but such a scheme would absorb the single men. The idea was not his. Several worthy men in the town had suggested it, and would give every support to the project. He trusted the committee would give consideration to the proposal. In reply to questions Mr McCarroll said that at least £lOOO would be required at the outset. He could not speak of later requirements as he had not had time to go fully into the matter. The Government would probably be willing to subsidise the scheme, as £2OOO was allocated to Southland in this respect. Mr F. Brown, Mataura, said that he did not wish to throw cold water on the suggestion but it seemed outside the province of the committee. At any rate it should be given mature consideration and not rushed into. Mr Royds, the chairman, said that he was inclined to think that the scheme was not feasible owing to the War Funds Act. The Minister would have to be written to. He suggested that the matter be referred to the committee in the meantime. This course was adopted.