3

C—lb

Owing to the now recognized value of Pinus radiata as a timber-tree 150 lb. of seed was sown, with the result that 1,190,000 sturdy seedlings were raised. Experience has now proved that the soil in the southern plantations available for afforestation is not of a quality good enough for the profitable raising of European hardwoods, so the raising of these trees has now been abandoned. It is much to be regretted that prison labour has now been withdrawn from Hanmer, as this class of labour has proved most satisfactory. In the report for the year 1910-11 (p. 54) it was incorrectly stated that Mr. W. T. Morrison was the winner of the prize for the best paper written that year. Mr. W. G. Morrison was the writer of the prize paper. I am pleased to say that, on the whole, the operations for the year have been very successful, and that the staff under the management of Messrs. R. G. Robinson (Superintending Nurseryman for the South Island) and H. A. Goudie (Superintending Nurseryman for the North Island) have worked zealously and well to advance the interests of the State in its afforestation operations. Extended leave was granted Mr. Robinson, who has gone to Europe via Canada, and he will be able to gather information that should be of value in connection with tree-planting in New Zealand. His place is being temporarily filled by Mr. W. T. Morrison. The Royal Commission on Forestry completed their inspection of State nurseries and plantations at the end of May, 1913, and their valuable report has already been laid before Parliament. Some of their recommendations— e.g., increased provision for preventing fires in plantations, planting of Pinus radiata, and the abandonment of larch' —have already been adopted, and other recommendations are under consideration. The reports of the Superintending Nurserymen are attached, together with detailed reports of the officers in charge of the individual nurseries and plantations, whilst the usual summaries of operations in the nurseries and plantations follow my remarks. I have, &c, James Mackenzie, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Right Honourable W. F. Massey, Commissioner of State Forests.