c—s

Local bodies, particularly in heavily-timbered counties, benefit considerably from the timber industry. The authorities and approximate amounts paid where timber stands are under the control of the Service are as follows : —

It is, of course, inevitable that the disbursements from Forest Service revenue can only be replaced by increased loan-moneys. Section C. —Recreation. 95. The number of authorized visitors to State forests for recreational purposes showed a decline on previous years and is no doubt a reflection of the war activities which are now occupying the time of many members of tramping clubs and kindred societies and others who in normal times enjoy in full measure the healthful attractions of the forest. Recognized camping-areas in State forests reasonably convenient to centres of population were enjoyed by moderate numbers, except in the case of a conveniently-located camping-ground in Southland where, an increase in the number of visitors is recorded, 100 camping permits being issued, as against 82 last year. It is, however, regretted that unauthorized visitors are still prevalent and cause forest officers a great deal of anxiety in the performance of their duties, particularly in regard to fire control. However, under Regulation 12 of the Forest (Fireprevention) Regulations 1940 it is now an offence punishable by a maximum fine of £50 or three months imprisonment to enter a State forest without a permit from a Forest officer. The regulations mentioned also provide that any person in a State forest or fire district must do his utmost to suppress any outbreak and also to report the occurrence to the nearest forest officer. Section D.—Opossum-trapping. 96. Permits to enter State forests to trap opossums during the 1940 season numbered 143. These permits are tenable for one season only and authorize a trapper to occupy a specified block of State forest; the right to trap is granted by license issued pursuant to the Opossum Regulations 1934 under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. Although the number of permits issued exceeded the 1939 total by 22, it shows a sharp decline when compared with the figures for the 1938 season —viz., 263. Damage to exotic trees by opossums was reported from five localities, and the destruction of the animals in the areas affected was carried out under warrants issued in that behalf by the Minister of Internal Affairs. Section E. —Mining Privileges. 97. In all, 133 applications for mining privileges under the Mining Act, 1926, and 7 applications for coal-mining rights under the Coal-mines Act, 1925, were considered, and reports furnished to the Warden. Certain privileges under the Mining Act, 1926, require the consent of the Commissioner of State Forests before

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Statute Reference. Proportion of Revenue Payable. AnnSvahie £ (1) Section 17, Finance One-fifth of the net revenue received from sales of Native 18,000 Act, 1924 timber growing on State forests (2) Section 6-7, Forests Either 90 per cent, or 50 per cent, according to land 7,000 Amendment Act, status (usually referred to as goldfields revenue timber 1926 royalties) (3) Section 357, Land Halves of royalties paid for timber removed from Crown Unknown. Under Act, 1924 lands control of Lands and Survey Department. (4) Section 28, Finance Local authority may levy up to |d. per 100 board feet Unknown. Act, 1927 (No. 2) for all Native timber cut within the county boundaries and may in addition recover damages to roads caused by timber traffic