Balata and the Balata Industry. 219 
allowed to stand unutilised — that it is proper they 
should be worked. This every one will admit, and none 
more readily than those who are best informed as to 
their utility and value to the state if worked properly ; 
but between the systemised working of the forests under 
responsible supervision, and the uncontrolled plunder 
and destruction which I have tried to describe, there is 
no parallel in principle. Not a single valid ground can 
be mentioned to justify the latter being allowed. The 
state while suffering great future loss, derives no 
present or temporary benefit ; the profit goes into the 
pockets of a few individuals, while their gain is in no 
sense a measure of the loss the country sustains thereby. 
The forests should be so worked that the fullest measure 
of present benefit could be taken from them without 
impairing in any degree their future value. Of course 
this can only be carried out under a system of active 
Government control. There is no risk in this colony of 
the general forest anywhere being destroyed, the climatic 
conditions are too favourable to arboreal vegetation for 
this to occur, but unless steps are taken to ensure their 
preservation, there is great risk of certain species which 
in one form or another are in commercial demand, of 
being so reduced in numbers as to be of little future 
value. Our forests, as I have before described, are 
mixed forests, and with the severe competition constant" 
ly in operation between the different species, as well a s 
the different members of which they are composed, any 
disadvantage inflicted by man on one is a corresponding 
advantage to another, which once gained the other can 
never again, in the ordinary course of nature, recover 
If collectors destroy bullet trees, other kinds of tree wil 
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