STATE FORESTRY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13290, 20 May 1907, Page 5

STATE FORESTRY.

STATEMENT BY THE HON. R.

MCNAB,

Per Press Association,

OAMARU,

May 18.

Replying to a deputation at Kurow on Friday, the Hon. McNab said, speaking generally of the State forestry question, that it was the intention of the Government to economise on the growth of trees, and to utilise the whole; of that economy. By proposals now being put into operation they would, while planting the soma area and producing the same number of trees effect a saving of £SOO per annum all over the colony ; but they would expend, this amount in 'the planting of trees. He admitted that where trees were grown as near as possible to the place where they were to.be planted, the best possible conditions for successful growth were obtained, but they might pay too dearly for perfect conditions. • The Government intended to see that this part of the district would not lose a single penny with regard to expenditure of money or employment of men, for the whole of the economy effected in Kurow would be expended in planting in the district. This was an undertaking given to the people, which would have to be redeemed by subsequent Governments, and was one phase of greater activity in connection with forestry work from one end of the colony to the" otheri He would not go back on one single word he had uttered in connection with State forestry. He wished to see the vacant lands of this colony clothed with forests, so thai) future generations mio-ht get even a larger revenue from, the land than from the richly cultivated fields of the present time. In regard to agricultural pursuits, the conditions ot the colonv must b& enormously, improved bv the raising of forests. He hoped he had b-ien able to remove from their minds that he intended to cease operations in any part of the colony. He could assure them that it was the intention of the Government to at once secure land tor forestrv purposes in the Kurow district under 'the Public Works Act without negotiation, and to commence operations at°once. These would be carried on to tV extent allowed by the amount saved by the transfer of the nursery to another cifc.o, leavingthei present site to be disposed of under the Land for Settlements Act, He; could give them his assurance that the best would be produced for tlie money available. •