Lecoy. — The Forest Question in. New Zealand. 23 



moter himself, and was supported by distinguished members of the House. 

 The information and suggestions contributed on the occasion by the 

 speeches of Messrs. Travers, Stafford, O'Neill, and others, still bear the 

 same force of argument at the present time. 



In 1870, the forest question sprang up in the Select Committee on 

 Colonial Industries. Men of science were called in and interrogated. In 

 his reply to Mr. O'Neill, Dr. Hector, in a few words, threw a vivid hght on 

 the whole subject. He said : — 



" The rapid destruction of the native forests I consider to be most 

 wasteful, and as having the effect of rapidly reducing the natural resources 

 of the country. It is not at all necessary that the forest should be com- 

 pletely removed in the way that it usually is, either for the purpose of 

 agricultural settlement, or the obtaining of timber for mills, firewood, or 

 fencing. The thinnings of the forest would be ample in most cases to 

 supply all the latter wants. By carelessly opening up tracts of forest, and 

 especially by the firing of dead forests, the young growth of trees which 

 comes up to supply the j)lace of the trees that are removed is wholly 

 arrested, and in a short time the air and sun dry up the surface soil of good 

 quality, which characterizes freshly-cleared bush-land, and it is washed 

 away by the rains." * * * 



In 1873, Mr. O'Neill moved " That, in the opinion of this House, it is 

 expedient that proper steps be taken for the conservation of the forests 

 throughout the colony, with which view it is resolved that a respectful 

 address be transmitted to his Excellency the Governor, requesting that he 

 may be pleased to appoint a Eoyal Commission to inquire into and report 

 upon the State forests and the best means for securing their conservation." 



Sir D. Maclean said: "This subject appeared to have been well con- 

 sidered by the honourable member * * * but all the Government 

 could promise was to look into the matter during the recess, with the 

 view of introducing a bill next session." 



In 1874 the State Forests Act was passed, but its provisions as to the 

 fund intended for the administration of the State forests have since been 

 rescinded. 



Since then the forest agitation has subsided, but the extermination of 

 forests by fire and axe has not ceased. Meanwhile the Public Works jjolicy 

 has been developed, extensive hues of railways have already been completed, 

 others are in progress of construction, many more will be asked for, and 

 under all circumstances the Colonial Treasurer will be entitled to look to 

 the proper management of the State forests as an important and hitherto 

 untoiiched source of revenue. 



