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The Forests Act, 1949, provides for the setting-up of advisory committees by means of which various forestry interests may express their views, decide, and co-ordinate policies. A Timber Production Advisory Committee is already functioning in New Zealand. 12. " It was generally agreed that tlie evolution of forestry technique and wood technology had been considerably influenced by progress made in the scientific field." 13. " It would be wrong and unrealistic to conclude that all is well in world forestry. Indeed much remains to be done. Further research is needed to widen the area of common forestry knowledge. The understanding of the role of forests among Governments and the public is not always sufficient. Hence many countries still have no proper forest policy while in others the application of sound forestry principles is defeated by numerous obstacles. Co-operation between industrialists and foresters must be considerably strengthened. There is still much destructive cutting,, which ought to be stopped." 14. " Despite these shortcomings this Congress believes that since 1936 there has been progress in the right direction. Recognition of these shortcomings as well as the work of FAO, especially in implementing the specific recommendations which follow, should facilitate and speed further progress." There has been much progress in New Zealand forestry since 1936; but it isequally true to say that much still remains to be done. Public understanding of the role of forests and their proper utilization in New Zealand is still insufficient, although appreciably greater than ten years ago. The urgent need for research has always been recognized by the New Zealand Forest Service, and prosecuted to the limit of personnel and funds available, but both have to date been inadequate. It is considered that immediate steps should be taken to expand and co-ordinate the work of the various research organizations dealing with forestry and forest products. General Recommendations on Policy 15. " The Third World Forestry Congress affirms its belief (a) " That each country should have for its territory a forest policy aiming at the maintenance of a reasonable forest area and at the conservation and use of forests on the basis of continuous and improved production. (b) " That forestry legislation, research, education of forest owners and workers,. and training of a sufficient number of professional foresters and technicians —all in conformity with the constitution and structure of each country —constitute essential elements of such a policy." New Zealand' has hud a basically sound forest policy since the passing of the Forests Act, 1921-22, and it has been more or less under constant review ever since r culminating in its revision and consolidation in 1949. The establishment of the Forest Research Institute at Rotorua, the provision of training for sub-professional staff and employees, and the fostering of higher forestry education to ensure that an adequate number of professional foresters are available in New Zealand in the future —all are recognized as essential and somewhat belated elements of the original policy. Higher forestry education should be undertaken by the University in the locality most suited to inspire both staff and students.

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