C—3a

32

Number of Trees distributed to Farmers and Local Bodies.

private and Native lands (on non-agricultural soils) —throughout the country which would lend themselves to a systematic forestry management. It is therefore suggested that all desirable properties should be examined by this Service and acquired when possible. This policy can be justified both on the grounds of good business and the future national welfare. There is no resource in the world to-day that is so rapidly appreciating in value as merchantable standing timber. Housing. Properly located and equipped Forest Service quarters are essential to the efficient transaction of business, the safeguarding of Government property, and the convenience of the public. Suitable cpiarters must therefore be provided wherever necessary at the various conservation region offices, on State forests, and for other administrative needs. In the State-plantation work housing-accommodation has always been provided by the State for permanent officers. These houses are not considered in the nature of a perquisite, but as a privilege for which the officer must pay, and in the consideration of compensation due allowance is always paid for the Slate accommodation provided. The construction or lease of dwellings solely for the personal needs of a forest officer can be construed only as granting additional compensation, and if such accommodation is provided deductions must be made accordingly. It should be considered as n basic principle thai dwellings should be provided for forest personnel only where there is an undeniable need for them, and when it is impracticable for the officer to rent or construct his own living-quarters. Dominion forest dwellings should be constructed only where they serve the actual needs of the Service, and not merely those of the Ranger or other officer by whom they will be occupied. In view of this fact, your investigator suggests the expenditure of £30,000 over the initial period for the construction of suitable accommodation. Annual Cost of Forestry in different Countries. Expenditure in Pence. ' °" ntr y- p or Acre. Per Capita. Prussia .. .. .. .. .. 90 British Columbia. .. .. .. . . .... 72 France .. .. .. .. .. 46 Great Britain .. .. .. .. .. 24 New Brunswick .. . . . . .. .... 16 Dominion of Canada Government .. .. .... 15 New South Wales (figure includes development expense of 2-4 d. per acre) .. .. .. .. .. 5-7 15 India .. .. .. .. .. .. 3-8 New Zealand (average of eighteen years) .. .. .. 0-55 5-8 Annual Revenue of Forestry in different Countries. Revenue in Pence. Country. ~,„. Acre Por Capita. British Columbia .. .. .. .. .... 411 New Brunswick .. .. .. .. ■■ .. 176 Prussia .. .. .. .. .. .. 100* France .. .. .. .. •. .. 87 Quebec . . .. . . .. .. .... 50 Ontario (Province) . . .. .. .. .... 30 New South Wales .. .. .. 4-6 12-1 New Zealand (average of eighteen years) .. .. .. 1-03 10-89