THE CENTRAL FOREST AUTHORITY. 1 63 



will remain, and I do not suppose it really would be affected 

 in any way. If we fail I suppose that system, bad as we all 

 think it is, will go on, but surely unless Mr Stebbing and those 

 supporting him are satisfied that the system which at present 

 we are working under is the best, they ought to be able to 

 support the motion which is before the meeting just now, 

 because I cannot believe Mr Stebbing with all his knowledge 

 does not think that if we could have such a proposal as this 

 carried out, to get a central ministry for forestry, that that 

 would not be a better way of managing forestry than has been 

 in the past and is at present ; and therefore I cannot see, with 

 all deference to him, how if he supports the motion he would 

 be really going against any trees being put in just now. Our 

 other friend is practically a Home Ruler for Scotland. We all 

 sometimes think we would like everything here. I am not so 

 sure that when it is in London most of the money is there. 

 We really get a larger share than the others. I am sure we 

 are all as keen for Scotland as he is, but it would be a very 

 good thing if we could all support this motion, which I under- 

 stand expresses what we think would be the ideal way in 

 which forestry should be carried out. 



Mr Stebbing. — If the suggestion made is that this proposal 

 is to be put before the meeting five years hence when the new 

 methods which the Board have put into force, and the Secretary 

 for Scotland is very anxious to back up and get money for, 

 have been given a fair trial — if we give them five years — (cries 

 of "No, no," and "Vote"). 



On a vote three supported Mr Menmuir's amendment; Mr 

 Stebbing alone voted for his amendment, his seconder having 

 left the meeting; and forty-four voted for the Resolution, which 

 was accordingly adopted. 



