DEPUTATION TO PRESIDENT OF BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 493 



together who would not otherwise meet. I have been from 

 pillar to post in many departments on this subject, but, as I said, 

 it was the experience that I gained on the Lighthouse Commis- 

 sion, where we got the officials of two or three departments 

 interested on the same subject together, and which led to some 

 practical action, that made me think of the committee or com- 

 mission that I have suggested. If such a committee is appointed, 

 we have nothing further for the moment to ask. 



Mr John Methven said : I have to thank you very much, on be- 

 half of the members of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, 

 for your great kindness in receiving this deputation, and for the 

 courtesy you have shown towards us, and for giving us such an 

 interesting address. I have some hope that out of this con- 

 ference some good may arise to forestry in this country. I am 

 pleased to hear your remarks favourable to the passing of the 

 Sparks Bill. I should like to make this observation, that the 

 Government themselves are sufferers from damage by fire, for a 

 plantation which I know something about, planted by the War 

 Office at Barry Links, has on two occasions suffered by fire from 

 railway engines. The sooner the Sparks Bill is passed, so much 

 the better for our Government property. I have, on behalf of 

 the Society, to move a vote of thanks to you. 



The proceedings then terminated. 



[Note. — We are authorised to state that it is Mr Hanbury's 

 intention to appoint a Departmental Committee, " to inquire 

 into and report as to the present position and future prospects 

 of forestry, and the planting and management of woodlands in 

 the United Kingdom, and to consider whether any further 

 measures might, with advantage, be taken, either by the provision 

 of further educational facilities or otherwise, for their promotion 

 and encouragement." Mr Munro Ferguson, M.P., has been in- 

 vited, and has consented to act as chairman of the committee. 

 —Ed.] 



