STATE FOREST REGULATIONS.

Western Star, Issue 2178, 9 February 1898, Page 2

STATE FOREST REGULATIONS.

Tho new regulations under the State Forests Act makes ample provision for the cutting and removal of timber. Forest timber, etc., may be disposed of by auction at per 100 ft, appraisement or license to fell. The CommLsioner of Crown Lands may require holders of licenses to use a registered brand for marking the felled timber, and uo two persons shall use the same brand. Applications for licenses to cut timber have to bo made ou proper forms to the Commissioner, and accompanied by a sketch. In the case of sawmill areas survey fees mnst be deposited ; tho timber is subsequently valued and an aggreement made as to payment. Trees may be reserved for special purposes, in which case they are branded. Totara, red pine, miro, or other milling timber is not to be disposed of or destroyed if less than 12 inches in diameter at the butt. Provision is made for the issuing of licenses to land surveyors, woodcutters and sp'itters. Licenses to out firewood are issued at the rate of £5 per man, and to split posts and rails at £7 10s. This work can only bo done on reserves after the milling timber has been cleared. Tho ordinary royalty payab'e by tho purchasers of timber in forests is as fol'ows :—Totara, matai, parin', 2s per 100 f t; kauri, Is ; totara and marie under 25fr in length, Is ; rewarewa and hinau, 6d; rimu and white pine, Gd; posts and rails and sleepers, 8s per 100; fencing stakes, Is ; firewood, Is per cord. These are all minimum rates,