C—3

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Statistics of the Service Timber-sales for Years ended 31st March, 1927-28. Quantities shown in Feet Board Measure

Timber-export Regulations. Owing to the depressed state of the milling industry, restrictions on the export of our indigenous timbers were somewhat relaxed during the past year, but all export was subject to permit, of which 280 were issued, a slight increase over the figures for the previous year. The majority of these related to white-pine and rimu. Full details in regard to quantities, species, etc., of timber exported and imported for the calender year ending 31st December, 1927, will be found in Chapter V and Appendix V. Forest-improvements. As opportunity and funds permit, access to and through State forests is being steadily improved by means of new tracks and roads, and the maintenance of existing ones. With the creation of new afforestation projects, the promotion of many miles of fire-breaks, tracks, telephone-lines, &c, are essential before extensive planting can be commenced, and in this respect much good work has been accomplished, as will be seen by a reference to Appendix II of the report. In Puketi State Forest, North Auckland, accommodation was provided for a resident forest guard by the erection of a five-roomed cottage, and in other regions existing buildings were renovated where necessary, and maintained in good repair. Recreational Use of the Forests. The ever-increasing number of motor-cars and consequent improvement of main arterial highways each year renders transport more mobile and speedy, and enables and encourages holidaymakers to seek their recreation farther afield than was possible before the motor era. This is as it should be, and it is pleasing to report that the exceptionally fine summer of 1927-28 tempted many more persons than formerly to seek and enjoy the pleasures of camping, tramping, picnicking, &c, in their own priceless national heritage, the forest domain. Visitors who respect the forest law are always welcome, as it is recognized that only with an increasing knowledge and appreciation of the peerless beauty of our native forests, extending from subtropical in the far North to subalpine in the South, can a " forest, conscience "be fully developed. Visitors generally " played the game "by the Service, and showed by the few reported acts of vandalism, careless fire-lighting, &c, that they valued the privileges afforded them. Honorary Forest Rangers. Good reports continue to be received from all regions of the valuable assistance rendered by the honorary forest-ranger corps, which now numbers ninety-five. In many cases these gentlemen reside in remote outback districts which can only be visited at rare intervals by Forest officers, and without such voluntary service many cases of illegal lighting of fires, timber trespass, poaching, &c., would perforce go undetected. Once again the Service records its very hearty thanks to its co-workers in the cause of forest-conservation. Three new appointments were made during 1927-28, while resignations, deaths, &c, accounted for four others. 4. Forest-protection. Fire Districts. New fire districts have been constituted to safeguard the afforestation projects at Riverhead and Maramarua in Auckland region, and Karioi in Wellington, region, and similar action will shortly be taken with respect to Golden Downs Plantation, Nelson. The value of the fire district principle, although comparatively new to New Zealand —it was authorized by statute six years ago —is now almost unanimously recognized and respected, so that cases of burning-off without the permission or supervision of a Forest officer by landowners who are legally required to obtain such permission are becoming fewer each year. Thirty-two fire districts have been constituted to date, involving an area, in round figures, of 1,610,000 acres.