June, 1937] 



Land Utilization in New Hampshire 



65 



The State needs a policy of reorganization of local governments in 

 certain back towns to free the forest from this excess burden. 



When only a few families remain in a town, the resulting local govern- 

 ment is usually not stable nor very representative of the tax base. It 

 would be in the public interest to disorganize towns when the eligible 

 voters fell below a definite limit. This would insure some protection to 

 non-resident owners and would cheek the development of vinneeded 

 services at great public cost. 



Developing Resources 



The two previous sections have been devoted to measures that would 

 reduce the cost of public services. The resulting lower tax rates are 



The cull and "dopey" trees are left standing. 



quite essential to the development of local resources. Even if through 

 a change in State policy the tax base is broadened and State aid to 

 towns increased, relieving local taxes, such State-aid should not release 

 local people from the obligation of economy and efficiency in local 

 affairs. 



From the viewpoint of an aggressive commercial agriculture, in which 

 men are encouraged by expectation of profits to develop productive 

 farms and build fine herds, only a few locations have possibilities and 

 the area as a whole would be unimportant. 



On the other hand, the area does have potential resources in timber. 

 The climate and soil are favorable, and the present cover could develop 

 rapidly under management. However, even if relieved of a part of the 

 burden of taxes, the lack of capital and the long waiting period for re- 

 turns will check such development. Most corporations and individuals 

 owning timber seem to lack free capital and in any case are not dis- 

 posed to long-time risks involving timber management. Of course, 



