0.—12.
23
E. G. ROBINSON.]
10. Would you advocate that the Government should print a small book dealing with the subject of tree-planting for the use of public bodies, specifying the trees which would do best and the proper methods of planting?—l think the suggestion is a good one. I also think that such a book was prepared by Mr. Matthews, and was ordered to be printed. We have gained considerable experience since that publication, and it could now be brought up to date, with chapters on the scientific aspect of the matter as well as on the practical side. With full illustrations it would prove a very valuable aid indeed. 11. Would you briefly allude to the varieties of trees you are now planting in the South ■Island, and state under what conditions they are used to advantage? —After sixteen years' experience the Department is in possession of valuable facts relating to the character of trees being operated upon in the various districts. This knowledge, blended with the demonstrations of enthusiastic private planters, and the literary efforts of eminent forestry experts, enables the work of the State to be carried on in the most modern way. Several years of experimenting revealed the undesirability of adhering in New Zealand to ideas expressed by Continental authorities, but such work also disclosed certain possibilities, and we are now confining our efforts in the South Island principally to the growing of the following trees, although some fifty varieties are included in the established plantations : Pinus Laricio (Corsican pine), Pinus ponderosa (yellow-pine), Pinus Benlhamiana (Bentham's pine), Pinus strnbus (Weymouth pine), Pinus austriaca (Austrian pine), Pinus radiata (remarkable pine), Pinus muricata (Bishop pine), Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia (Oregon pine), Picea excelsa (Norway spruce), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce), Fraxinus exceldor (English ash), Fraxinus americana (American ash), Larix europcea (European larch), Larix leptolepis (Japanese larch), Quercus pedunculata (English oak), Juglans regia (walnut), Sequoia semper virens (redwood), Thuja plicata (white-cedar), Alnus glutinosa (alder), Betula alba (English birch), Populus (various), Salix (various). Briefly explained, the sheltered gullies, where generally greater humidity and fertility of soil is in evidence, are reserved for such trees as ash, Oregon pine, oak, walnut, &c.; on the fertile flats, ash, Oregon pine, Norway spruce, Sitka spruce, Pinus ponderosa. Hillsides having an inclination to a southerly aspect are planted with Japanese and European larch, but the Department is now greatly reducing the output of the European species. Partially exposed country, either level or hillside, is planted with Pinus Laricio and Pinus austriaca; and upon a surface of a rocky nature P. ponderosa. or P. Benthamiana is used with success. These two latter-mentioned pines are also allotted the most exposed positions, and are undoubtedly the most useful trees for any situation or condition. Shelter-breaks are formed of P. radiata, P. muricata, Populus fasti giata, and English birch according to the suitability of each variety to the prevailing condition. Where much surface moisture is prevalent alder, poplars, and willows are introduced successfully. 12. I suppose you are still conducting certain experiments in connection with trees? —Yes; further experimental work is still in progress, and any practical idea bearing on the efficacy either in working-systems or suitable trees for certain localities I am ever ready to investigate. Preparations are being made this season to create an arboretum at each tree-raising station in the South Island, so that the character and progress of as many varieties of tree as possible will be watched and reported upon from time to time. 13. Have you any difficulty in securing suitable labour for tree-planting work?— Usually, No. The rate of wages paid in New Zealand, Bs. per day of eight hours, is apparently a sufficient inducement to suitable men. Much of the pitting and tree-planting work is performed by contract, and employees so engaged are able to earn up to Bs. 6d. and 9s. a day. 14. Does the State provide accommodation for the employees? —Yes, each plantation employee is provided with sleeping-accommodation in the- form of a hut, tent, or part room of a house within the forest reserve. 15. Do the employees receive any other allowance?— Yes, firewood or coal is provided gratis. 16. Have you any regulations in force in connection with employees smoking in the plantations? —Yes. Regulations were issued to each officer in charge of a plantation to the effect that no wax matches must be brought into the plantation by any employee. The men are allowed to smoke, and are given " smoke-ohs " in the morning and afternoon. But I have found it almost impossible to prevent men from smoking if they so desire. The substitution of wooden matches for wax matches relieves the difficulty to some extent. _ 17. Is there any specified time for smoking? —No. They are allowed to have a few minutes off in the morning and afternoon. <* 18. When the men are working are they under the supervision of a foreman?— Yes, there is always a foreman in charge. _ 19. And he would make it his business to keep his eye on these men during the smoking period, and to see that no matches are likely to be thrown about so as to be a danger? That is so. 20. Mr. Murdoch.'] Can you indicate six trees you would preferably plant now which are fast growers, and would be likely to turn out the best building-timber t—Pinus Laricio or the Corsican pine, Pinus ponderoto (it will grow under almost" any condition), Oregon pine, Fraxinus excelsior, Japanese larch, Pinus radiata. 21. What do you think of the radiata? —lt would be an excellent rough timber. We have in Tapanui Nursery alone over 100,000 to be planted out next year. It would be possible to plant it a little farther apart than 4ft., and I am arranging to plant it 6 ft. apart. I regret to say, speaking generally, that the present season has been most unfavourable for tree-planting, the worst since the start of the Tapanui Nursery; nevertheless there will be an output of trees that will compare favourably with previous years. The output will be about a million and a half. 22. The Chairman.] What are the wages paid to employees ?—-The foreman gets 9s 6d a day and is a salaried officer. Other men are paid from Bs. to Bs, 6d. a day. The clerk is a salaried officer.
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