50 REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. 



located. But tho detection and location of a fire is of no value un- 

 less fire fighters can be speedily summoned. To do this effectively 

 over an area of any extent the telephone, is essential, yet, in sections 

 where look-outs are most necessary telephones are rare. For this 

 reason the Commission is unable to establish stations at most of 

 the points where they should be. 



The number of wardens within reach of a telephone is, however, 

 increasing yearly and one handicap to lookout installation is there- 

 by growing less. The Commision is endeavoring further to remedy 

 the lack by actual telephone construction (see p. 64) and by 

 a constant effort to induce private interests to build lines. Such 

 improvements come slowly, but it is hoped that in the ensuing 

 year the first step may be made towardl providing permanent fire 

 control of this nature. 



PRIVATE AND LOCAL CO-OPERATION. 



Though the Forest Commission has always sought to enlist the 

 co-operation of property owners in the protection of their own 

 holdings, this effort has necessarily been subordinated to the de- 

 mand for an efficient public service. However, the fire service has 

 now .reached a stage where this side demands and can be given 

 more attention. There are within the State many large forest 

 holdings in private or corporate hands, whose owners' dependence on 

 fire control is great. It is felt that the equipment of their em- 

 ployees for fire fighting and patrol, or the installation of look-outs 

 and telephones, properly rests on the owner. Nevertheless, where 

 such service can be made of wider use and its permanence be as- 

 sured, the State will gladly share the cost with the owner. 



In many localities where regular fire warden service is not jus- 

 tified, co-operation between the Commision and local fire or police 

 officials would make the fire law applicable -to isolated and suburban 

 areas. Requests for such joint action always receive careful at- 

 tention. 



The appreciation of the Fire Service is expresed to the Fish and 

 Game Commission for placing the following effective forest fire 

 warning notice on this year's game chart: "Every Forest Fire De- 

 stroys a Game Cover. Be Careful Not to Cause Any." 



