PLANTING HELD UP OWING TO BAD WEATHER

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17653, 28 September 1925, Page 7

PLANTING HELD UP OWING TO BAD WEATHER

SELWYN BOARD DISCUSSES FORESTS. The SeJwyn Plantation Board met today; present—Messrs Ci. H. Bullard (cnatrman), R. Nairn, S. A. Staples, TV. hf-rence to the projected plan tine scheme had o **' n U "i as the land propagation work at I>artield'was backward. Further, the excessive a.nd continuous moisture had caused losses by heating in the seed-beds of the softer foliaged trees. The transplantation of seedlings was now being vigorously carried on, and It was hoped to have about 300.000 lined out before the seasons growth was too far nd-. anced. The afforestation of Tranter’s plantation was completed, and the Burnham block was now being planted. About 90,000 trees had been supplied to public bodies in addition to 3 50,000 sent to the. board’s plantations. The trees planted out this year were looking well, and there should be a high growing percentage. About 40,000 super feet and forty and a. half cords of pine were milled and disposed of from Racecourse mil plantation. With better weather greater progress could be expected. Practical I v no fir®wood was cut or c-arted during the past few weeks owing to the impossible carting conditions in the Interior of plantations. Tho report was adopted. Mr Nairn said there was a feeling among many local bodies that it was not right for the board to charge for trees supplied to them. The local bodies were doing afforestation work, supplied trees free it might find itself in the position of having given all its trees away aud having no funds to It was decided to discuss the matter next season before planting commenced. The Department of Industries n.nd Commerce wrote stating that, it was endeavouring to have a clause put iu the Finance Act to empower the board The Heath cote County Council wrote asking that the Cashmere reserve should be cleared of gorse. Tt was decided to reply that the lessee was R. M. Mur ford, and he should be asked to do ihe work.