I move:—
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £114,030 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1951, 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, in the main, by increases in the wages of forestry labourers unforeseen when the original Estimate was framed; the purchase of heavy machinery for the mechanical preparation and drainage of bog and other lands in order to fit them for planting, and stockpiling of fencing materials, tools and building requisites.
At the beginning of this financial year the wages of forestry labourers ranged from 58/4 to 64/7 a week. Since that date various increases in wages have been granted and the rates now range from 62/- to 74/6 a week. It is, therefore, necessary to ask for an additional sum of £68,250.
A start has been made on the provision of heavy machinery by the purchase of 15 crawler tractors and fittings, and eight each of two types of ploughs specially designed for forestry work, one type to cut shallow drains and provide sods for mound planting and the other to cut deep contour drains. Five of the tractors and two of the ploughs have already been delivered and a sum of £18,615 is required to meet the payments which have become due. It is expected that the remaining tractors and ploughs will be received early in the next financial year.
In view of the supply position, forward purchases are being made of rabbit netting, barbed wire and other fencing materials and tools. A sum of £64,750 is required to meet payments for such materials already delivered or due for delivery before the end of this month. A sum of £5,185 is required for additional expenditure on normal purchases of tools and materials.
The lack of suitable housing accommodation for foresters at many of the State forests has caused serious difficulties. Some suitable houses which have come on the market during the year have been purchased and there has also been some advance purchasing of materials to be used in house construction during 1951-52. £7,080 is required under these heads.
Additional provision for travelling and subsistence allowances of the out door staff has become necessary as a result of increased travelling in connection with purchase of land. A sum of £1,750 is required.
As against these increases additional revenue from sales of timber is anticipated to the extent of £31,000, but this will be in part offset by a deficiency in other receipts of £6,460. There are savings usable to the total amount of £27,060. A net supplementary amount of £114,030 is required.