I move:—
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £4,500 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 1950, for Salaries and Expenses in connection with Forestry (No. 13 of 1946), including a Grant-in-Aid for acquisition of land.
This Supplementary Estimate has been rendered necessary by expenditure on materials under sub-head C (2) (1)—Maintenance of State Forests. For many years past difficulties have been experienced in obtaining adequate supplies of fencing and other materials, particularly rabbit netting. Every effort is now being made to accumulate reserve stock which will be required in connection with the contemplated expansion of planting operations. Mechanical equipment has also been acquired for use on the construction of new forest roads and for work in the State forest nurseries. Purchase during this year of a bulldozer for road-making work and of six rotary hoes for use in the nurseries has enabled additional work to be undertaken while reducing costs. In addition, some materials ordered last year did not arrive in time and payment had to be carried over into this financial year. It is now estimated that the total expenditure on materials during 1949-50 will approximate £40,000. Provision in the original Estimate under this head was £25,000; the balance of £15,000 required is being provided in the Supplementary Estimate.
Provision is also made in the Supplementary Estimate for increased cartage and freight costs under sub-head C (2) and extra labour costs under sub-head C (3).
An extra sum of £1,000 for travelling expenses is needed because of the appointment of additional staff for land acquisition work.
