FORESTRY COMMISSION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 40, 15 February 1913, Page 8

FORESTRY COMMISSION.

ORDER OF REEEREXXE. IX'TERESTJXCI POiXTS RAISED. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, February 13. It Ls officially announced that the following gentlemen have been appointed a commission to inquire into forestry matters in the Dominion:— Mr Henry, Douglas Morpeth Haszard, F.R.G.S., Commissioner of Crown Lands, and Chief Surveyor for the Westland Land District (chairman); Mr Thomas Wni. Adams, farmer, Greendale, Canterbury • Mr Samuel Isaac Clarke, builder, Fonsonby, Auckland; Mr Leonard Cockayne, P.R.S., F.L.S., P.H.D., Christchurch; Mr Frame Yates Lethbridge, farmer, Feildiug; and Mr Charles Primrose Murdoch, woodwaro manufacturer, Auckland. The subjects on which the commission lias to report are as follows (1) Which of the existing forest lands it is desirable to retain under forest covering, for the purpose of soil protection, prevention of denudation, water conservation, prevention of floods, climatic, scenic, or any other national benefit. . (2) Which of the forest as are not required for any of the purposes mentioned in (1) but are suitable for settlement, sawmilling, or other commercial purposes, indicating whether such areas should bo utilised forthwith or rendered available at some future period. ' (3) The best method of dealing with the indigenous forests in the public interests generally. (I) Whether or not, in view of the large and increasing deinand for white pine timber in connection with the butter industry, the exportation thereof should bo wholly or partially prohibited. And with regard to afforestation operations; (5) The probable future demand for timber for commercial purposes within the Dominion of X'ew Zealand. (6) The nature and kinds of timber likely to bo so required. (7) How far the operations of the existing State nurseries and plantations meet the probable demand. • (8) To what extent sucii operations should bo supplemented and expanded, and in what localities such new nurseries and plantations (if any) bo situated; (9) Whether the present operations of tho State are being conducted on satisfactory and progressive lines. If not, to what extent, and in what manner, the present management and control should be altered. (10) Under what conditions should tho State encourage and assist tree planting by private individuals and local bodies. And, generally, any. matters which, ip the opinion of the commission, affect fo?est conditions and afforestation in the Dominion, or would tend to promote their development, including the necessity or expediency of any legislation in the premises. The commission is to submit its report not later than April 30th, 1913. Mr S. I. Clarke, of Auckland, was also a member of tho Timber and Timber Ruilding Industries Commission, which produced a voluminous report in 1909.