TO EXCLUDE TIMBER PESTS

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16816, 7 June 1926, Page 8

TO EXCLUDE TIMBER PESTS

NEW REGULATIONS PROBABLE. A proposal is at present under consideration to issue an Ordcr-in-Coun-cil prohibiting the importation of poles, piles and other round log products exhibiting evidence of insect attack. This information was conveyed in a letter sent to the New Zealand Forestry League from the Commissioner of Slate Forests, the lion. 0. J. Hawkcn, in reply to a letter referring to the introduction of limber pests in imported poles. The Commissioner staled that during the year ended March tJ t last a careful survey was made of all limber imported into the Dominion. While there were indications that forest and timber insects might be introduced in practically all classes of limber, there was little doubt that by far the greater number were introduced by poles and other round log products. "In view of this fact, particular attention lias been directed lo these products, and already considerable progress lias been achieved by arranging,'"” through eo-operalion with the Government and local bodies, that all bark is removed from poles and piles before despatch to New Zealand," continued the Minister. “It is estimated that ibis action has resulted in the elimination of almost 7U per rent of the forest and limber inserts formerly introduced into New Zealand in all classes of limber products. “H is also estimated Hull a further Ir, per cent of these pests may be eliminated by prohibiting the importation of poles, piles and other round log products exhibiting evidence of insect attack; and, to meet the situation, a proposal is under consideration lo issue an i iriler-in-Council prohibiting I tic importation of all such timbers if they are infected with insecls. "The Forest Service will continue to review the problem at regular intervals, and to arrange for the necessary action lo meet any special circumstances which may arise from time to tune.

■•in fairness lo both importers and users il should lie staled that alt are fully alive to [lie dangers attached to the "introduction of limber and forest insects, and. further, that their aeiivo co-operation may usually be secured. Thus, infested material is generally destroyed when once brought under their notice.” ,