FORESTRY REPORT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144146, 16 July 1913, Page 7

FORESTRY REPORT.

THE PROFITS OF PLANTING. PROSPECTS OF CHEAP TIMBER. PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, July 15.' Dealing with afforestation, tho com-mis-ion estimated that the amount of t : i insumed yearly in New Zoalr >3,000,000ft., and that in 35 ye„> ; vi 11 bo 716,000,000 ft. On March 31, laid, the State plantations were 18,870 acres in extent. At tho present rate of planting, namely, 2566 acres in 1911-12, the total yield when converted would be 128,300,000 ft., which, at the present rate of consumption, would last about four months. Tho commission considers that at least two and a-half times the acres of 1911-12 should bo planted. THE FINANCIAL ASPECT. Turning to the question of timber for financial purposes, the commission Considers that an acre of pinus radiata would produce 15,000 ft. of timber at the ago of 35 years. Taking the value of the land at £2 per acre, the figures would work out as follows:—Expenditure: 10,000 acres, planted at £8 per acre, at 41 per cent, compound interest for 35 years, £373,360; rental value of land on the above basis, £214,488; total expenditure, £691,194. Estimated receipts; 10,000 acres, yielding 150,000 ft. per acre, at 2s per 100 ft,, £1,500,000; deduct expenditure, £691,194, total profit £808,006. If those results could no obtained it would mean a profit of nearly £9l per acre, and would allow timber to be retailed at from 10s to lls per 100 superficial feet. The commission expresses the opinion that, given cheap land, economical management, and the right kind of trees to plant, afforestation can be made a highly profitable investment to tho State. The commission recorfmended (1) that the Prisons Department should have a credit note for the value of all work done by prison labour; (2) that 4 j per cent, interest should be debited annually to tho cost of tho previous year’s operations; (3) that the rental value of land' as assessed by the Government Valuation Department, also on a 4 per cent, basis, should be debited to the forestry account. The necessity for afforestation was manifest. The time may come when many countries would forbid the export of home-grown timber, and there was good reason for countries of the Old World to plant commercial forests.

The commission recommends that private persons planting threes should get ‘them at cost price, and that planting by private individuals should be encour.aged by tho, remission of taxes or otherwise on a certain percentage of the ;total area of an estate which has been to tho satisfaction of the Tores try Board. Afforestation by local .bodies should also be encouraged. THE WANGANUI-AND MOKAU. BI TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONnENT. WELLINGTON, July 15. The report says :—The scenery of the Wanganni River has in many places between Wanganui and Pipiriki lost altogether its peculiar character and especial attraction since, instead of the original unique plant covering, innumerable European willows in long lines fringe its banks. The class or scenic reserve here dealt with is of especial moment along tourist routes and the importance of maintaining the vegetation of such in its—virgin condition should need no elaboration. In regard to the Wanganui River your Commissioners thoroughly recognise the importance of tho scenery on tho banks of this famous river as a valuable asset to the Dominical. The portion between Pipiriki and the houseboat is tho finest on tho river and it is meet important that the vegetation of as large an area as possible bo preserved in its virgin condition. AVe recommend that the Government acquires for preservation all the steep banks of the Wanganui River not already reserved and where the land is not suitable for settlement, tho reservation to be from tho water to the skyline. In regard to the Mokau River the report says: “The scenery of the Mokau River is very fine indeed, and Tt is imperative that as much as possible of the characteristic vegetation of its hanks bo reserved. AVe therefore recommend as following; That the Government should acquire for tho pro-' servation of the forest all the steep lands bordering on tho Mokau River, and that the block of Crown land in blocks, AT. t IX., and XHI, Aria Survey District be exchanged, on an equitable : basis, for the land" acquired along the river.”