13 



at once. I think I need say nothing further to commend the 

 resolution to you. It is quite apparent, and I think after the 

 two admirable addresses from the gentlemen on the platform 

 to-day that the need for this resolution is really brought to 

 the crucial point." 



Mr Robert Forbes, Kennet Estate Office, Alloa. — " I have 

 very much pleasure in seconding the resolution." 



The President. — "The motion has been proposed and 

 seconded. Before putting it to the meeting is there anyone 

 who has anything to say on it, or any amendment to move?" 



Colonel Martin Martin, Skye. — "There is one question I 

 should like to ask Colonel Sutherland, and that is about the 

 employment of Highlanders returning home now after service 

 abroad. They are coming home and they are wondering 

 whether they should immediately emigrate or whether they 

 should accept the conditions at home, and although there are 

 many reasons for delay, which Colonel Sutherland has stated 

 and which are quite obvious, still in this case there can be no 

 delay. If these men do not get employment they will emigrate, 

 as their brothers and relations have already done. They are 

 considering the terms they can obtain at home and the terms 

 they can obtain in the Colonies and in the States and elsewhere, 

 and as soon as steamers are available to carry them abroad, 

 which will be September, I believe, a great many of them will 

 go and then we shall not have the labour we require for our 

 forestry operations. I think that is a question which cannot be 

 delayed, and whatever Authority is established must consider that 

 question at once, or this summer, as to whether they will be able 

 to retain the population in the Highlands or not. As everybody 

 knows, 40 per cent, of the areas of Scotland is in the Highlands, 

 and there is 6 per cent, of the population in the Highlands. 

 That ought to be remedied, and very largely, through afforesta- 

 tion, but it would be perfectly futile to hope for this unless some 

 attraction is offered to the population. Otherwise they will 

 emigrate. That is what I wish to bring before the meeting, as 

 I have been resident in the Highlands for a great many years — 

 in Skye and the West Highlands, where the conditions are acute 

 but not so acute as in the Outer Islands. It is not a very 

 technical point, but it is a very important and practical point, 

 which I should like the Arboricultural Society to consider 

 because it is urgent." 



