GOOD PROGRESS IN PLANTATION WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18551, 27 August 1928, Page 10

GOOD PROGRESS IN PLANTATION WORK.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS TO SELWYN BOARD. It was reported at the monthly meeting of the Selwyn Plantation Board this morning that satisfactory progress generally had been made with the various works carried on during the month. There was a full attendance of members. Mr W. Stewart (Commissioner of Crown Lands) presiding. Thanks for donations of firewood were forwarded by Nazareth House, the Methodist Orphanage, and the Presbyterian Orphanage. The superintendent (Mr R. G. Robinson) reported: “Adverse weather conditions extending over a week somewhat interfered with planting operations, although your season’s afforestation scheme Is now well advanced. Some 420 acres have already been afforested this year with two-year-old P. insignis, P. ponderosa, P. Laricio and Oregon pine, and the planting of an additional 100,000 trees will complete the projected scheme. All trees planted out at Westenra's, Parrott's, Grigg’s and Hight's Reserves look healthy, whilst the present appearance of the 50,000 pines used in the underplanting of wattle and gum stands also indicate a very successful growing percentage. “A start was made at the transplantation of seedlings at the nursery, but the heavy rainfall experienced will prevent a resumption of this work for some days at least. Some 52,000 two-year-old trees have been disposed of to public bodies, etc., this season in addition to fulfilling requirements for the afforestation of about 500 acres of board property. “Steady progress is being maintained at the Barfield pine reserve, where some 41,950 superficial feet of pine, 4300 feet of case and building timber, and 115 J cords of firewood were milled and disposed of. An area of the cut-out block is now being sufficiently cleared of slashings and debris to permit replanting with Cup. macroearpa and Pinus insignis. At Chamberlain’s Reserve, some 60 <a>rds of gum firewood were cut and stacked from the drying boles.” The report was adopted, members expressing approval of the report.