a—3

34

Forest Minor Industries. In Europe, India, and America the forest is much more fully utilized than it is in new countries. In Europe turpentine, resin, tar, charcoal, pine, oils, and tanning are obtained from the forest; in fact, it may be said that in Europe the whole tree is used up. In this country however, a small amount of kauri-gum is the only secondary forest product obtained. As soon, however, as the financial pressure caused by the war is relieved it might be as well to make experiments in tapping kauri and other native coniferous trees for resin; and also to try the practicability of the extraction on a commercial scale of tannin-extract and dyes from various native trees. Further, bearing in mind how rapidly our native milling-timbers are being used up, it is desirable to experiment with some of our native timbers to test if by antiseptic treatment their defect of durability can be removed, so as to allow of their being used for purposes for which that defect now makes them unsuitable. Forest Fires. Forest fires are unfortunately the frequent accompaniment of the settlement of new countries, and this Dominion has in the past lost from this cause large areas of milling-timbers that would ■if, now existing be of huge aggregate value. It is pleasing to record that last year, though in some districts droughts prevailed, the loss of native milling forest by fire was very small. To make the valuable Waipoua Kauri Forest more secure there are now three permanent Rangers kept there. It is hoped that by inserting warnings in the Press during the the summer months to make persons in outlying districts more careful in the matter of lighting fires. New Forest Reservations and Withdrawals from Reservation. During the year a total area of 25,950 acres was added to the State-forests reservation. Of this area, 11,350 acres were in Nelson Land District and 12,600 acres in the Southland District. A total area of 194| acres was withdrawn from reservation, 23| acres being in the Taranaki District and 171 acres in the Marlborough District. Waipoua Kauri Forest Demarcation. In the spring a distinguished forest expert, Mr. D. E. Hutchins (late of the Indian and South African Forest Services) made a demarcation survey of the Waipoua Kauri Forest, but his report and plans have not yet been received. Mr. Hutchins is also reporting on the larger questions of the future treatment of our native forests and afforestation for New Zealand. Forests are State Capital. In the administration of forests it has sometimes been found that the residents of a district hold the opinion that the timber growing in that district is their special property, and should be exploited for their special benefit. This is an altogether wrong opinion, for the natural resources of a State are the capital of the State and should be treated in such manner as is to the best advantage of the whole population.

Return showing the Total Quantity and Value of the undermentioned Kinds of Timber imported into New Zealand and the Net Customs Duty collected on Timber during the Year ended 31st March, 1917.

Heading. Quantity. Net Duty collected.* Value. Round logs — Ironbark Other timbers ... Hewn logs — Ironbark Jarrah Other timbers Sawn rough— Ironbark Jarrah Oregon pine (Canada) Oregon pine (U.S.A.) .. Other timbers Sawnj dressed : Miscellaneous Sup Feot. 795,354 270,322 1,623,969 157,780 1,829,661 £ 32 26 155 80 £ 9,715 2,626 22,865 2,042 19,795 570,926 2,917,410 106,893 3,577,847 7,422,186 59,942 Number. 2,349,660 478,965 5,297 14,540 215,300 534 2,676 112 3,696 7,916 146 5,348 22,613 516 11,832 83,64] 1,268 Laths Palings, split Rails, split "•'.'. . • ■ ■ Posts, split Shingles Miscellaneous 246 627 12 63 24 17 1,737 4,501 116 437 185 1,666 Tanning-bark Tons. 3,057 316 31,563 Totals 16,678 222,466 * Including primage duty, 1 per jent. ad valorem.