PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS SECTION C. 99 



the ({uestion of (ler..;ice, that is a state of affairs which is aUo- 

 gether unsound and to be avoided. In spite of the more exten- 

 sive use of iron, steel and concrete in recent years, the amount 

 of timber used throughout the world is rapidly increasing 

 without any corresponding increase in the forest area. 



South Africa, unless it augments its own timber resources 

 — and that it can and should do^ — will have to look forward to 

 competing with countries more favourably situated geographi- 

 cally for some of the world's surplus timber, and will be forced 

 to buy, whatever the price, or else helplessly have to see its 

 industries strangled or paralyzed for lack of an adequate local 

 supply of this prime essential of industry. In this connection it 

 is interesting to recall, especially in this golden city, what Evelyn. 

 the famous English forester, wrote more than 250 years ago. 

 Referring, of course, to England, he said: *' Since it is certain 

 and demonstrable that all arts and artisans whatsoever must 

 fail and cease if there were no timber and wood in a nation 

 (for he that shall take his pen and begin to set down what art. 

 mystery or trade belonging any way to human life could be 

 maintained and exercised without wood will quickly find I speak 

 no paradox), I say when this shall be well considered, it will 

 appear that we had better be without gold than without timber." 



Bearing in mind what the position is in regard to this vital 

 question, it is a matter for satisfaction that a strong forward 

 move has now been initiated in aft'orestation. The country, if 

 it is wise, will see that the move is continued. 



