FORESTRY.
The SUBSTITUTE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE stated that in his last report he had recommended that an Inspector of Forestry be appointed, but up to the present he had not been successful in finding a suitable man. This report had been adjourned from the previous meeting, and he now moved that authority be given to have an Inspector of Forestry appointed.
T. MACSUIBHNE (Cork Mid.) seconded the motion. He suggested that the Director for Agriculture might issue a short leaflet describing the value of woods at different ages as timber, shelter, etc., and giving information generally as to the value of certain classes of woods from all points of view.
J.J. CLANCY (Sligo North) suggested that as soon as possible the new Councils be asked to consider the question of striking a penny rate next February towards a Fund for Forestry development purposes within each county. A nursery might be started in each county or group of counties.
The SUBSTITUTE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE said that he agreed that the formation of nurseries in the various counties should be encouraged. It had proved very successful in Kildare.
S. MACAONGHUSA (Longford) asked what the relations between the Department of Agriculture and the Loan Bank were. He suggested that it would be a great help to the Director of Agriculture if he were able to put up the money in cases where he carried out arrangements for the purchase of lands in dispute. He was of opinion that the Director of Agriculture should be a Director of the Bank.
The SUBSTITUTE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE pointed out that under Clause 9—Sub-section (5) the Land Commission was empowered to make representations to the Land Bank.
The motion authorising the appointment of an Inspector of Forestry was then put and carried.