C.—3

8

(B.) Idle Forest Lands. Determined by the Dominion forest inventory, there are within the Dominion 4,859,658 acres of idle land, consisting of pumice and barren northern gum lands, fire-devastated wastes, and other deteriorated bush lands reverting to second growth. This enormous area could be put to work producing timber crops, for which the land is entirely suitable. Wherever possible, local bodies and private individuals who are interested in forestry schemes should be encouraged by the vesting in their control of waste lands and other lands under definite deed for this purpose. It is recommended that section 30 of the Finance Act, 1922, be amended to authorize the use of loan-money by local bodies for tree-planting. The Government is also recommended to amend legislation so that Crown lands which are not suitable for agriculture or grazing purposes, and which might be termed waste lands, be opened for application for cash, on a suitable tenure not requiring residence, the essential improvement conditions being the planting of a certain portion of the area in trees within a prescribed period. (C.) Dedication of all Crown Forested Lands to Forestry and Conservation. Not only, however, can the waste deforested lands be put to work, but it is urged that the enormous area of over 5,000,000 acres of Crown-owned woodlands and parks now carrying forests of commercial and protection value, and in the control of several Government Departments, be placed under the competent control and management of the forest authority. This area comprises,— Acres. Unalienated Crown land under forest .. .. •• •• 1,123,925 Forest and timber reserves, &c., not controlled by the Forest Service .. 321,958 Scenic reserves .. .. .. .. • • • • ■ • 445,000 National parks .. .. .. .. ■ • ■ • • • 3,128,000 Total 5,018,883

Dedicated and undedicated Crown Forests.

There are large areas of forest lands such as the Urewera country, Waikaremoana country, and other districts in Nelson, Canterbury, and Southland, which are most essential, but still unconservated and undedicated as State forests, which should be proclaimed. The relation between pastoral, agricultural, and dairying interests, and the sawmilling industry, and the investment of hydroelectric schemes, the mining industry, and the conservation of wild life —in short, the public safety — essentially and urgently demands that the control and protection of all these flood-preventing and timber-producing forests be placed in the hands of the Forest Service. New Zealand's remaining forests, which are practically all now located on lands chiefly valuable for forestry should be forthwith dedicated to this great purpose. The Forest Service is the only State organization in New Zealand that is competent to manage forest lands, and to assure a continuity of policy and a permanence of interest in the care, culture, and control of forests and forested lands. The Government is therefore recommended to place under the control of the Forest Service the management and administration of State parks, scenic reserves, climatic reserves, educational endowment forest reserves, all other similarly reserved areas, and unalienated forest lands of the Crown. It is sincerely advised that the policy of the Government as set out in 1920 be carried out during the next five years. The policy of the Government in this regard should be crystallized during that period. (D.) Forest Land Purchase Account. The establishment of a Forest Land Purchase Fund of £500,000 is advised, to be used for the purchase of forests and forestable lands throughout the Dominion where it is desirable to consolidate existing State forests, to conserve the headwaters of main streams, and to ensure and safeguard the interests of each community. At the present time and for years past very valuable forests have been disposed of by Native owners and others to speculators with no permanent advantage to the community. This fund could be redeemed in twenty-five years' time with interest,