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also of substituting the more modern type of workitig plan exemplified by current Sivedish practice for the older and more voluminous type of European working plan is under investigation. A preliminary study of the Swedish workingplan system during a 1947 tour of that country indicates that it has a strong practical bias as compared with the more academic systems in use in the British Commonwealth.'' (2) That, as the long-term element is basic to proper forest management, forest authorities must be assured of continuity in the provision of adequate finance. " Whilst the establishment of a long-term forest fund is desirable in principle, it has not been found generally necessary, but, in view of the previous curtailment of technical activities during the depression period, consideration will be given in the consolidation proposals for forest legislation to the provision of such a fund to ensure continuity of essential technical and research work" (3) That a comprehensive programme of research is a necessary corollary to efficient forest management. Special attention is directed to the importance in afforestation of further studies in soils, ecology, genetics, nutrition, and growing space. " The establishment of the Forest Experiment Station at Whakarewarewa State Forest at Rotorua forms the first step in the attainment of this objective. Recent staff accessions of technically trained officers from overseas will ensure a comprehensive research programme, and soil, ecological, genetical, nutritional, and espacement studies are already in progress." (4) That the importance of protection of forests cannot be over-emphasized; that adequate legislation and efficient control services are essential; and that these must be supplemented by research in fire-control methods and appliances, and by studies of preventive measures against insect and disease carried out by specially trained personnel. " The Forest and Rural Fires Act, 1947, sponsored by the Forest Service as a result of the disastrous Taupo fires of 1946, ensures a means of adequately protecting both forest and rural lands throughout all seasons of the year. Supplementary protection is also provided through the operations of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941. The Forest Service already operates fire-prevention systems using the most modern detection, communication, and fire-fighting equipment. Modern fire lookouts, aerial patrols, mobile radio installations, and highly efficient fire-fighting machines are in general use, and already, as a result of continuous research, well-equipped fire-hazard ■ stations have succeeded in accurately determining periods of exceptional danger and in economizing the use of personnel and equipment in providing adequate protection. " Preventive measures against insect and fungal attack were studied by the Forest Entomologist in Europe and North America at the conclusion of his war service, and are being further examined by the Forest Experiment Station.'" (5) That, in many parts of the Commonwealth, both protection of existing forests and the afforestation of degraded lands demand control of shifting cultivation and limitation of the incidence and extent of grazing. " The shifting cultivation referred to in the resolution is unknown in New Zealand, but the incidence and extent of grazing is a vital problem in the Dominion. It is already under investigation in co-operation with other Departments as part of the research programme of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. Limitation of grazing has already been demonstrated to effect a marked improvement in the management of tussock lands."

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