90 

 ORGANIZATION OF STAFF. 



To carry out the measures which I have recommended for the protection, manage- 

 ment, and extension of the native forests, and the formation of plantations, it would be 

 necessary to create a Forest Department. There should be appointed a properly qualified 

 Conservator of Forests to direct the whole. The Conservator being the immediate adviser 

 of Government on forest matters, should have his headquarters at the seat of the Govern- 

 ment. Maritzburg is besides conveniently situated as an administrative centre for the 

 Crown forests. At first the Conservator should initiate the executive work, but the 

 proper controlling of the whole system will afterwards require his undivided attention. 

 A clerk would be required in the Conservator's office to take charge of it when the Con- 

 servator is travelling or engaged in field work, to keep accounts and generally do part of 

 the office work. 



The next most important selection is that of the forest-guards. Upon their 

 efficiency will in a great measure depend the proper working of the department, and no 

 pains should be spared to secure suitable persons. The guards should be picked men, 

 inured to outdoor life, and capable of being entrusted with not only the execution but 

 also the control of details ; they should receive special consideration at the hands of the 

 Government, and promotion to different classes at enhanced salaries should be held up as 

 a reward of long and zealous service. I have already given the number and distribution 

 of the guards that are required for the Crown forests, and sketched the nature of their 

 duties. Between the guards and the Conservator, a District Officer, at a salary of say 

 JS250, would be required to execute many works that forest-guards may not be fitted to 

 undertake. This officer should have a knowledge of surveying, and his most important 

 ^vork during the first period of the existence of a Forest Department would consist of 

 surveys and demarkation, conjointly with the Conservator. 



At each plantation, a Superintendent is wanted to take charge of the work. These 

 officers should have a knowledge of farming, but it is not necessary that they should have 

 any knowledge of forestry. Men of sufficient skill to undertake extensive works unaided 

 cannot be found here at a moderate salary, and it is better to employ men who realise 

 that they need guidance, rather than any who may wish to apply notions of their own 

 which may lead to doubtful results. 



SUMMARY. 



Having now examined the principal matters connected with Natal forestry, I will 

 nd with a summary of the conclusions which I have arrived at : 



1 . The Natal Forests, more particularly the Timber forests, have been shown to be 

 well worth preserving, whether from an economic or climatic point of view ; and the 

 Government alone is competent to undertake the work. 



