FORESTRY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144145, 15 July 1913, Page 7

FORESTRY.

REPORT OF COMMISSION. RESERVED AREAS RECOMMENDED. BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN COIUIESI’ONUENT. WELLINGTON, July 15. The report of tho Forestry Commission was presented to Parliament this afternoon. Tho commission recommends that a number of forest areas bo made climatic reserves, principally with the object of conserving tho head waters of various rivers. These areas include 119,200 acres in Southland, 534,600 ricrea in Westland, 947,000 acres in Nelson, 88,350 acres in Marlborough, and 93,820 acres in AVcllingtnn land district. Tho object of the last-named recommendation is the extension of the Tongariro National Park and the conservation of the head waters of the Wanganui River. The commission also recommends the reservation for climatic reserves of the sources of the principal rivers in Canterbury which rise in the Southern Alps, and tho upper portion of the whole of the North Island dividing range. The reservation of various scenic reserves is also recommended, including tho land surrounding Lake Waikarcmoaua, certain lakes in the Rotorua district, and areas along tho Wanganui and the Mokau rivers. The commission advises that reservation on the Waipoua State Forest (North Auckland) bo removed, subject to the conditions (1) that tho timber bo milled by the Crown for the public; (2) that two hundred acres of tno best of tho forest and also the Warawara State kauri forest be permanently reserved. Legislation will bo necessary to give effect to certain of tho recommendations.

The commission recommends in consequence of the increasing scarcity of timber that all land containing milling timber shall have the timber cut prior to settlement.

Extensive planting is recommended, including Australian gums, pinus radiata, poplars, etc. It recommends that various areas in both Islands be set apart for afforestation. The North Island areas include run No. 24, near the mouth of the Ranjjitikoi (63C0 acres, occupied by J. MTvelvie). extensive forest areas on the volcanic plateau, and several gum areas in the Auckland district. Recommendations are also made in regard to planting by private persons and local bodies, the trees to be supplied by the State nurseries.