Afforestation In The Marlborough Sounds

An Interesting Quotation supplied by J. N. W. Newport

With the development of exotic forests in the Sounds in recent years it is interesting to learn that such a procedure was being suggested over a century ago.

In 1880 J. C. Crawford's book Travels in Australia and New Zealand was published in London and this revelas that he was appointed magistrate in London and this reveals that he was appointed magistrate at Havelock during the gold digging activity in the Wakamarina Valley in 1864. He does not say much about the goldfield but was very impressed by the bush covered hills.

"The inland navigation of the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds is extremely interesting, but it is unfortunate that the country is so poor, consisting of steep mountain ridges. These are covered with forest, and timber is the best and most paying crop that could be grown on them. The chances are, however, that no steps will betaken to get a successful timber crop, but that the standing trees once felled, fire will go through the forest and a scanty pasture be produced for a few sheep or cattle, until the shrub called tauwhinu takes possession and smothers the pasture. The chief beauty of the Sounds will then be a thing of the past.

"It is much to be regretted that the plans of Sir Julius Vogel for the management and conservation of the New Zealand forests were not carried out. An expensive plan may not be required, but a system is wanted. Forests ought to be cut block by block, in rotation, and if the native trees prove unadapted for replacing the growth, then the best kinds of exotic trees are found to suit the climate should be planted. Above all, arrangements should be made for clearing away the loppings of branches. These, when left in the forest, are set fire to by some passer-by, the fire spreads, and immense damage is done. A well-conducted government establishment, with a school of forestry attached, would disseminate throughout the colony useful information as to the proper trees to plant, the mode of planting, and the process of systematic cutting, and etc."