STATE FOREST SERVICE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1930, Page 16

STATE FOREST SERVICE

ACTIVITIES AT WAIOTAPU. EXTENSIVE PLANTATION'S. Rotorua, Jan. 16. The Parliamentary party which toured the pumice lands under the conduct of Mr. E. E. Vaile, visited the State forest at Waiotapu. Under the guidance of Mr. Morrison, conservator of forests, the party first inspected the nursery and then drove to the fine stand of redwoods planted 28 years ago. The condition of the trees and the size was considered wonderful by visitors who had seen in other parts of the world specimens of these trees. The drive' was continued for many miles through forest roads, At different points stops were made at plots that are used to determine the progress that is being made of the different varieties. The department is at present planting Oregon pine extensively and from what the party saw in all stages of growth the trees are doing well. Many camps of relief workers were passed. At the main camp the large caterpillar tractor and grader was inspected. It was stated that it had reduced the cost of roading for the forest roads from £l7 10s a mile to £5 10s or £6 a mile. To most of the party the work being done by the State in this direction was entirely new. The bearing on the future need of a railway for haulage was commented on by various sections of the visitors. The total area now planted is 160,000 acres.