AFFORESTATION SCHEME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 111, 15 May 1942, Page 4

AFFORESTATION SCHEME

ADVOCATED IN RANGITIKEI MIL W. G. TOLLEY’S MEWS In many ways Rangitikei. with its i easy undulating country and good i roads, was ideal for a successful and 1 economical afforestation scheme, said Mr. W. G. Tolley, Marton, when referring in an interview to the district’s natural advantages. Such a scheme, he added, was already overdue. ‘‘The district is ideal for the practical encouragement of arboreal cul- : lure. Within a radius of 10 miles of' Marton 1000 acres, in areas of one to i 10 acres, would never bo missed for ! grazing, or agriculture, if used Itr ‘ tree planting. In all probability much of the land is already idle." said M“. ' Tolley. “If anybody doubts the pos- ; sibilities of Rangitikoi they should i visit th beautiful plantations suirounding the lakes on the Heaton Park estate. ’’ To be highly successful it would be necessary to concentrate on not more than four or five of the most valuable and quick-growing timbers suitable for general purposes. It would also be advisable to leave experiments to the State Forest Department. A magazine article had recently drscribed forestry work being carried out in England. The white ash had ”e--placed the American hickory for ailpurpose tool wood, including sledgehammer handles. This timber grew quickly in the Rangitikoi district, and the Marton Borough Council had planted about 100. and a similar number of akeake. This was a small tree which grew to a height ranging between 15ft. and 30ft. It was used by the Maoris for making spears, and was also recommended as being suitable for tool wood. The growth of all these trees had been very good this season. One of the best, if not the best of gums, was the eucalyptus eugenoides. It grew very tall and straight, with a trunk four feet in diameter. The timber was used extensively for floor- | ing boards, rafters and joints. Tne i tre n matured in 25 to 30 years. Experiments in America had shown .that when the science of sylviculture I was applied trees grew 12 times as fast as in their natural forest state. About 20 matured rimus to the acre | consisted of what was common]}’ j known in New Zealand as heavy bush. In contrast under scientific management. trees planted feet apart would provide about 500 to the acre. By rotational planting a perpetual stand of milling timber would always be available on the same area. When these figures were taken into consideration it could readily he appreciate! what 1000 acres of established timber land would mean in a district such as Rangitikei. The timber would be close to Marton, and on a conservative estimate work would be provided for 50 men. The owner of the property would be entitled to royalty, and provision would have to be made for areas to be fenced. Finance would be needed for planting, but men employed in the initial work could be taken from Marton by quick transport. To be successful, however, the entire management of the scheme should be under municipal or local body control. Such an undertaking should not. come under the State forest Department, said Mr. Tolley.