70 REPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE.—1918. 
2. That our supplies of timber, even in time of peace, are precarious and 
lie too much outside the Empire. 
3. That afforestation would increase the productiveness and population of 
large areas of the British Isles which are now little better than waste. 
Preliminary to afforestation schemes is the creation of a Forest Authority, 
to whom details as to afforestation must be left for decision. 
As to afforestable land the Forestry Report estimates that the United 
Kingdom contains between four and five million acres of rough and waste 
land from which to select the area required for afforestation. 
The association of small holdings with forestry is advocated by the Forestry 
Report because forestry combines so well with agriculture. 
The encouragement suggested for private planters includes a possible reduc- 
tion of assessments for rates and taxes, and the abolition of extraordinary 
traffic is recommended. It is proposed that the Forest Authority should be 
empowered to confer with the railway companies to obtain a reduction of rail- 
way rates. Suggestions are made for the organisation of the home timber 
industry and the development of woodland industries. Financial proposals 
include optional forms of assistance which might be offered to landowners, 
including either: (1) State sharing expenses and proceeds, or (2) State making 
grants or conceding loans at low interest, or possibly (3) Landowner to be 
relieved from rates and taxes on the afforested land for an agreed number 
of years It is suggested that an owner who wished to regain control of his 
woods might do so by repaying the amount of the State contribution, plus com- 
pound interest. f 
As to: forestry organisation, references are made to: (1) pressing on 
forestry surveys and taking stock of existing woods; (2) provision of seedlings ; 
(3) training of forest officers and men; (4) research and experiment; (5) advice 
on forest management; (6) forest pests. 
The only forest pests referred to are the pine weevil and pine beetle. The 
Forestry Report suggests that the Forest Authority might ‘issue and enforce 
orders calling on owners of woodlands to take definite steps for dealing 
effectively with such pests.” You will note that there is no suggestion for 
the State to do anything but compel others to incur expense for the benefit of 
the community. 
I would respectfully submit that the State and others have obligations as 
well as the landowner. It is for the State to give a lead in proof of a 
sincere desire at last to encourage forestry. Before calling upon others to deal 
effectively with insect pests, it is surely for the State to make proper grants 
for education and research in these directions, and first of all to point out a 
practical and economical method of dealing with such pests 
Constantly we are reminded of the obligations and responsibilities of the 
landed interests. 
Has the State no Obligation to fulfil ? 
Has the consumer of timber in any industrial undertaking no obligation 
or responsibility to encourage native production of the raw material he uses? 
Has the pulp manufacturer and newspaper proprietor no responsibility or 
obligation to encourage the demand for and creation of reserves of spruce and 
other pulp-wood in this country ? 
Have the railway authorities no obligations with reference to reasonable 
rates for the transport of timber, or the highway authorities for proper 
facilities for carting timber over their roads? 
Are the innumerable users or artisans who rely on timber either for their 
trades or their homes under no responsibility or obligation to encourage native 
forestry? 
Have not the general public, who not only enjoy the woodland scenery of the 
countryside but also have an interest in timber as an important raw material 
for the safety of the realm, an obligation to support and encourage forestry ? 
It would have been possible for them to encourage private enterprise without 
making large demands on public funds, but their past indifference has been 
complete. . 
