REVIEW OF YEAR’S WORK SUBMITTED TO PLANTATIONS BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 11

REVIEW OF YEAR’S WORK SUBMITTED TO PLANTATIONS BOARD.

A review of operations carried on throughout the boaxd’s reserves during the past year was submitted to the Selwyn Plantations Board to-day by the superintendent, Mr R. G. Robinson. It was pleasing to record, stated the report,, that complete success in both the propagation of trees and establishment of plantations had been attained; whilst in extending forests- by 520 acres, in addition to underplanting, the highest yearly planting had been reached. Another point worthy of emphasis was the apparent stability of trees that were badly affected by wind pressure some three years ago. The remedy applied to loosened trees had been quite effective, and it was reasonable to anticipate no future trouble in this direction unless boles were subjected to abnormal strain by excessive rains accompanied by gales. Extension of Plantations. An excellent growing percentage resulted in all classes of trees dealt with, and by systematic trapping and poisoning of rabbits it was possible to make a complete success in afforesting rab-bit-infested areas without having to construct wire netting protective fences. Although Pinus Insignis still constituted the main species worked with, over 75,000 Oregon, in addition to P. ponderosa and P. laricio, bad been included in the year's extension scheme. The acquirement or resumption of land more suitable for the production of higher grade woods was being, given greater attention. The expenditure covering all maintenance work had been considerably less than was anticipated. All planting was conducted by the grubber-pitting and spade-dibbling process. There was no doubt that trees planted over cultivated land, although becoming established more quickly, wefe more readily affected by wind pressure. Over 30,000 strong three-year-old oregons were planted over Might’s reserve near Te Pirita. The remaining portion of semi-cleared area known as Turnbull’s reserve was planted in pines. Gum coppice was strong throughout but would not interfere with the development of the introduced trees. Although advantage might accrue from the deshooting of coppicing stringy barks and peppermint gums, the rapidity with which the blue gums contracted the prevailing gall disease made the application of labour towards the rebuilding, of blue gum boles unwarrantable. Timber Cutting. Steady timber cutting measures were carried on. During February and March some 145,000 super feet of pine timber were sawn into casewood, and present prospects pointed to a rather brighter future for local mills in supplying Canterbury fruitgrowers and manufacturers with cases and second grade timber. The royalty on sawn timber during the year amounted to £930 15s lid, which slightly exceeded that received last year. Although some fair-sized Pinus laricio were milled, no special demand existed for this supposedly better timber for building purposes. Its conversion into casewood appeared to be the only means of profitably disposing of it in the meantime. A small quantity of oregon pine boarding and scantling found a sale for shed building, etc., but the abnormally rapid growth of the tree, together with its youth when felled, tended to produce very light and otherwise brittle timber for any constructional purpose. It was evident that the timber from aged oregons only could be regarded favourably for building purposes, and plantations formed of this tree should be so arranged to permit of a lengthy rotation period being adhered to. Propagation of Trees. Highly satisfactory results were attained in the raising of some 763,000 trees at the small Darfield nursery at a low growing cost. • Were it necessary to produce a greater number of trees the raising cost per thousand might be considerably reduced without employing additional workmen. All transplanted trees had done well, and particularly pleasing were the 86,000 oregons, which averaged about 2ft in height. Some 54,000 Pinus ponderosa two and three-year-old had also grown into fine sturdy trees well adapted for afforesting the harsher conditions. Reforesting Cut-out Areas. The reforesting of recently milled stands had been carried out with complete success, and the progress of introduced oregons, pines and Cup. macrocarpa had been more rapid over these areas than on virgin land. At Coalgate the rate' of growth of oregons would bear comparison with that of Pinus insignis, and it was not unusual to come across an annual leader development of three feet in these trees. At Racecourse Hill the various pines planted in association with those of natural regeneration were making great headway. Abnormal development on the trees planted beneath the diseasestricken gums at Kirwee plantation was noticeable, but, although planted over nine feet apart, the humid conditions were creating semi-drawn-up trees that would require to be given more growing space at no* distant date. A hearty vote of appreciation of the superintendent's work was passed. Monthly Report. The superintendent, in his monthly report, stated that the demand for sawn pinewood had been sufficient to keep the mill staff at Darfield fully occupied. Some 55,000 super feet of timber had been disposed of in addition to a fair quantity of slabwood for firing. A fair expenditure had been devoted to gorse grubbing and fence cutting, while arrangements were in hand to uproot about two miles of sod and gorse fence and replace it with standard and wire. As late planting has been generally attended with success no effort was being made to put out trees before the latter part of July. Some miles of rabblt-’proof fencing would require to be constructed. The report was adopted.