Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 22 - October 1949
The scanned images of the Slasher were produced by and courtesy of the Forest Research Data and Information Team staff based at Roslin, where some of the original copies are located. The Forestry England Information Knowledge Management Team and New Forest Heritage made available copies of The Slasher from their collections. Brian Mahony of the FC Retirement Association devised and coordinates the Slasher Project and has been instrumental in locating many missing editions and coordinating the searches to locate all the earlier publication numbers.
The content summary below was again very kindly compiled by Diane Birkett, Bedfordshire. See PDF attachment link below the text summary to view the full document. A total of over 420 issues or publications were produced between January 1948 and the final publication in 2010.
Quantocks Controversy - The "Have-Your-Cake-And-Eat-It" Forest
Last month we referred to the "storm" which has arisen to disturb the peace of the Quantock Hills in Somerset. Our opponents, however, are not having things entirely their own way, for a local Trades Council has unanimously passed a resolution applauding the Commission's proposals to acquire and plant some 1,200 acres of land at East Quantoxhead.
Those who are not well versed in the economics of forestry might, with advantage consider the following facts, for the existing Quantocks Forest is a grand example (which, mark you, will be repeated in due course in all our forests) of having your cake and eating it. There are nearly 1,800 acres of plantations at Quantocks, established on felled woodland which was cut in the first world war, and had not the Commission acquired the area it is almost certain it would have remained derelict.
Nearly 1,700 acres of plantations are now self-supporting, for last year we spent £18,000 (almost wholly on wages), but thinning produced £19,000. The credit balance, it should be noted, will increase annually, and is estimated at £5,000 for this year; at the same time the capital value of the woods is growing, due to the increase in volume (and therefore price) of the remaining tree crop.
The foregoing may seem elementary, but nevertheless we make no apology for bringing it to your notice. It is understandable that by and large, we who toil not in the field can have but little conception of the financial values of the forests we know only by name. To carry the matter further, then, if a comparison is made between Quantocks and a banking account, the 135,000 tons of timber now in the forest may be regarded as capital on deposit, which is increasing at about 5 per cent per annum; the whole of this 5 per cent is not re-invested, but a proportion is taken out to meet current expenditure on wages, etc., for the benefit of the woods - this proportion is at present the £18,000 mentioned above. It is calculated that by 1970 the capital will be about 300,000 tons of timber, of a size suitable for sawmill purposes.
About 60 local men are given employment at Quantocks, and it is a safe bet that the £15,000 they draw in wages each year is all spent in the immediate vicinity of the forest.
You and the Need for Economy - A Message From The Chairman
You will all have read about the drive for economy in public expenditure, and no doubt you have already discussed the country's economic plight with your colleagues and workmates. Nevertheless, through the medium of The Slasher I do want to stress the fact that it is the duty of us all to do everything in our power to achieve economy without sacrifice of efficiency. How, then, are we to set about this task?
In our particular job, as in private life, there are several ways of reducing expenditure. We can cut out those things we would like to go on doing, but which are not really essential at the moment; we can find a cheaper way of doing those things which we must do; or we can modify, or even abandon, the objectives we have set ourselves. It goes without saying that the last is the least palatable of the three, and whether we like it or not, it may become necessary if we fail to take effective action under the other two headings.
Where we are concerned the Commissioners, consistent with the money available to them, can and will issue instructions as to the scale on which certain work is to proceed. They can also decide on priorities of work and, by methods of organisation, seek possible economies.
But our undertaking is scattered, and is completely unlike a factory where all operations can be brought under centralised supervision. To a great extent, then, economy in our departmental expenditure inevitably depends on the goodwill and commonsense with which individuals everywhere - in the field or at the office desk - approach the problem. Therefore I ask, and I am sure I shall not ask in vain, for that active co-operation which is so essential if we are to surmount the present crisis in our national fortunes.
Believe me, every one of you can help in this - even those of you who hold junior posts and may feel that anything you could do would be too small to be worthwhile. Even a cheerful smile given with willing service is a real help.
I have travelled a great deal in the last year - in Australia and in North America - and the most frequent question, direct or implied, that I have had to answer is "Will Britain make a 'come-back'?" And my answer has always been "Of course she will. The British don't stay down".
So come along, here is something we can all do and derive much satisfaction in the doing.
The Tale of the Wallaby
An Unusual Event occurred here recently, writes Forester G.F. Beasley, of Hazelborough, East England. A wallaby escaped from a small private zoo which is maintained in a village a few miles away from Hazelborough, and later turned up in Silverstone, a village on the north-east of the forest. Nevertheless, it could not be caught, and in due course it made its way into the forest and disappeared, its presence being evident only because of damage caused to standing beech trees. The bark was torn off in pieces around the base of the tree; I doubt, however, if the bark was eaten - it seemed to me that the animal was seeking something under the bark, probably the cambium layer and sap. The number of trees affected was comparatively small.
About three weeks after its escape, the wallaby was seen by two local men to be crossing a main road which passes through the forest. They left their lorry and gave chase, and eventually captured the animal by throwing a coat over its head. It was then taken to the local police station.
Unfortunately the end of the story is not a happy one, for while at the police station the wallaby was placed in a hut and broke its neck during its struggles.
View From Forests - From Haggis Hill To The Island Of Arran
From Haggis Hill in Changue Forest, Ayrshire, can be seen some impressive views. Mr H. Trucknell, of the South Scotland Conservancy Office, Dumfries, writes of these after reading in last month’s issue of what can be seen from St. Asaph, North Wales.
"To the north west of Changue," he says, "one sees the whole Island of Arran with its splendid peaks and bays and headlands, together with the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig, and the far-off mountains of Argyllshire. To the west can be seen the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, the Mull of Galloway and Luce Bay; far to the south across the Solway is St. Bee’s Head and the mountains of the Lake District and one’s view extends as far as Black Coombe near Barrow-in-Furness, To the east the great range of the Galloway Hills rises to the Merrick, and one also sees the shires of Wigtown and Kirkcudbright. Truly the whole is a varied and magnificent panorama, yet the height of Haggis Hill is only some 1,850 feet."
Forester D. Clark may be justly proud of the setting in which his forest has been established.
Forest Worker’s Accident - Injured By Mortar Bomb
A serious accident recently befell Dennis Waldron, a young Forest Worker at Glasfynydd, South Wales. It is understood that during harrowing operations, in which Dennis Waldron was taking part, a mortar bomb was unearthed. This exploded, with the result that he was badly cut about the feet, legs and face. He was taken to Brecon War Memorial Hospital and detained.
Transfers
G.F. Ballance, Divisional Officer, Bristol, SW(E), transferred to Cambridge, E(E);
D.S. Spraggan, District Officer, Fort Augustus, N(S), transferred to Peebles, S(S);
J.D. McNab, Selkirk, S(S), transferred to Dornoch, N(S);
S.W. Rogers, Kielder, NE(E), transferred to Santon Downham, E(E);
E.M. Conder, Santon Downham, transferred to Thornton-le-Dale, NE(E);
W.P. Thomson, Edinburgh (Director, Scotland), transferred to Glasgow;
S.A. Simmonds, London (Director, England), transferred to Lyndhurst, New;
B.R. Feaver, Bridgeton, E(S), transferred to Edinburgh;
R.O. Drummond, Dornoch, transferred to Fort Augustus;
P.F. Garthwaite, Thornton-le-Dale, transferred to Kielder;
C.R. Wellington, Head Forester, Halwill, SW(E), transferred to Rendlesham, E(E);
W. Murray, Head Forester, Ratagan, N(S), transferred to Millbuie, N(S);
W. Mackay, Forester, Millbuie, transferred to Culloden, N(S);
J.H. Cooper, Forester, Alice Holt, SE(S), transferred to Goodwood, SE(E);
R. Lawes, Forester, Goodwood transferred to Bere, SE(E);
W.P. Smith, Forester, Shouldham, E(E), transferred to Gaywood, E(E);
A.G. Fulford, Forester, Stockley, New, transferred to Wareham, SW(E);
A. McKay , Forester, Morangie, N(S), transferred to Ratagan;
D.H. Carmicheal, Forester, Benmore School, transferred to Knapdale, W(S):
R. Linder, Forester, Strathyre, W(S), transferred to Culbin, E(S);
A.R. McClaren (McLaren) Forester, Newcastleton, S(S), transferred to Benmore School;
R.G. Braine, Foreman, Mendip, SW(E), transferred to Wilsey Down, SW(E);
R.G. Fife, Foreman, Collingbourne, SW(E), transferred to Hartland, SW(E);
H.D. Morris, Foreman, Strathnairn, N(S), transferred to Rumster, N(S);
T.N. Terry, Foreman, Warke, NE(E), transferred to Chirdon, NE(E);
W. Grant, Foreman, Kershope, NW(E), transferred to Mortimer, NW(E);
B.H. Sainsbury, Foreman, Holmsley, New, transferred to Stockley, New;
J.D. Carrington, Foreman, Harwood NE(E), transferred to Widehaugh, NE(E);
W.F. Skene, Foreman, Culbin transferred to Delgaty, E(S);
G.F. Jones, Assistant Engineer, Cambridge, transferred to Chester NW(E),
T.D.H. Morris, Executive Officer, Aberystwyth, transferred to Shrewsbury;
A.E. Beedle, Executive Officer, Shrewsbury, transferred to Aberystwyth;
Miss A.M. Pidgeon Executive Officer, Finance, H.Q. transferred to Office of Director, England;
R.H. Fisher, Executive Officer, Aberystwyth, transferred to Shrewsbury;
R. Palmer, Executive Officer, York, transferred to Finance, H.Q;
E.T. Channon, Executive Officer, Lyndhurst, transferred to Woking;
D.J. Crabb, Executive Officer, Office of Director, England, transferred to Finance, H.Q;
Miss K.M. Turner, Executive Officer, Woking, transferred to Office of Director, England.
Visit to Alice Holt
Members of the clerical staff of the South East Conservancy office, Woking, led by District Officer A.W. Wallington, visited Alice Holt Forest. They were welcomed by District Officer A.R. Sutton and Forester T.H. Aston. An extensive tour of the plantations had been arranged.
The Pure White Sparrow
Forester E. Grigor, Glenisla, Angus, (East Scotland) lives almost 1,100 ft. above sea level in the beautiful Glenisla Valley. To his garden, he has an unusual daily visitor - a pure white sparrow.
This feathered oddity is an accepted member of the flock.
Allerston Employee as Robin Hood Aids Operatic Society
For several months Mr J.S.R. Close, a tractor driver at Allerston, North East England, has assisted the Scarborough Amateur Operatic Society by playing the part of Robin Hood. He normally wears a beard, and was one of two members of the Scadeburg Archery Club to be selected by the Society to play the part of Robin when the latter shoots for the Golden Arrow.
From June until the end of September the Society was playing in the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Sports
At Chiddingfold, South East England, is stationed Foreman Andrew Forrest, outstanding West Surrey cricketer. As Captain of the Dunsfold Cricket Club he has twice held the cup awarded to the best all-rounder. His performance against Godalming at Dunsfold in July was probably the cricketing feat of 1949. He took all 10 wickets for 22 runs, performing the hat trick to dismiss the last three men; six of his victims were clean bowled. Foreman Forrest then grasped his bat and scored 53 of his team’s 71 runs; he carried his bat through the innings. It was his showing in this match which gained for him honourable mention in a London evening newspaper, while such achievements as 6 wickets for 8 runs (against Sutton and Cheam RAF Assn.) frequently bring glory to his team through the local Press.
By early September this year, Foreman Forrest had performed the hat trick three times and had taken 120 wickets in only 24 matches. Our friend, by the way, is also goalkeeper for the Dunsfold Football Club, and many a game has been won because he has been between the posts. While a student at Parkend Forester Training School he won the Lydney and District Table Tennis Cup in the handicap tournament.
More contributions to this Sports Parade feature will be welcomed. The Editor hereby sets the ball rolling by confessing he holds a Shove'apenny championship.
Presentations
A presentation was made to Mr A.D. Hopkinson, who retired as Conservator, East England. He has been succeeded by Mr G.W. Backhouse.
A presentation was made to Divisional Officer G.F. Balance, South West Conservancy, England. He has been transferred to East Conservancy, England.
A presentation was made in the office of Director, England, to Mr A.F. Carvosso who is leaving the Commission to rejoin the R.A.F.
Brash Up Your Gaelic - Some Unusual Terms
Delving into the origin of the Foresters' technical terms, Publications Officer H.L. Edlin has found that a likely source of the verb "to brash", used to describe the cutting off of side branches from young trees, is the Gaelic bris, pronounced "brressh", and meaning "to break or splinter." But the adjective "brash" applied to weak timber comes from Gaelic brisg, pronounced "brresshg", meaning "brittle: apt to break", Stob, for a fence post, is pure Gaelic; the same word is used for a steep, isolated hill. Scots foresters always "sheugh-in" their young trees, but Englishmen "heel" them in; as "sheugh" is probably derived from Gaelic shail or shallach, meaning a heel, it comes to the same thing.
Round-Up
Miss Anne Smith of the South Scotland Conservancy Office, Dumfries, made a pretty picture when she appeared in a national newspaper as a typical "Holiday Girl" peeping round a cliff at Colvend.
The Welsh Directorate office cricket team played thirteen matches winning five and losing eight.
South East England Social Club lost at tennis to Woking Post Office, four sets to five.
Playing their last game of the season, Edinburgh Office cricket team won a hard match against Glentress Forester Training School.
Extract from a letter (typewritten) received in the office of Director, England, from an enquirer who had asked for, and been given, details of the Forest Workers Holding scheme: "I would like to become a tenant under the Workers’ Holiday Scheme you mention".
Just dilly-dallying — Suggested Commission Slogan: "I pine for thee". And a 'wise crack': She was only a Forester's daughter, but she looked Oke on the beach.
Marriages
Conservancy Engineer T.L. Clark, South Conservancy, Scotland, married Miss Ellice Carswell of Dalbeattie.
Miss H. Lewis of Aberystwyth office married Mr D. Allen.
Miss V. Beattie of Aberystwyth office married Mr Philip Miles.
Miss Eileen Day of the East England Conservancy office married Mr Anthony Huddlestone.
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