Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 25 - January 1950
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.
Big Afforestation Scheme for Wales - Planting To Take Place Over 40 Years
What goes on in Wales? Readers may care to hear something about a proposed afforestation project which, on completion, is likely to provide Wales with its biggest State forest. The scheme involves the planting, over 40 years, of some 46 sheep farms which between them cover about 20,000 acres.
Some hill farmers are at present loud in their condemnation of the Commission for proposing to spread what have been described as coniferous elbows over such a large slice of land. But the Commission is going forward with the scheme for several reasons. One of the most important is that large scale afforestation can only be carried out economically if there is long-term planning, for such expensive matters as new roads and houses have to be taken into consideration. Furthermore it is extremely difficult to obtain land for afforestation, and the Minister of Agriculture has ruled that in the national interest, the area in question is best given over to forestry.
The site of the proposed new forest is on the Cardigan-Carmarthen-Brecon border, within the upper reaches of the River Towy, and is on the fringe of what is known as the "Mid-Wales Desert". The district is probably as thinly populated and inaccessible as any in Wales. Plantable land totals about 16,000 acres, and it is proposed that 400 acres shall be afforested each year. Thus, in order to give the maximum notice to farmers, to cause the minimum disturbance and to ensure orderly progress, the plan provides for the splitting of the area into two groups. The first comprises the 16 farms which are to be planted in the first 20 years, and although the acquisition of these must proceed without delay, so gradual will be the planting that only two farms will be dealt with in the first five years. Except for the purpose of carrying out road-work, no others will be disturbed until it is necessary to undertake the second year's planting, when three more farms will be afforested. In the second group are those 30 farms which will not come into the scheme until the next stage - i.e. the second period of 20 years. If the owners wish to sell or lease earlier, the Commission will be willing to negotiate.
Now there are a number of additional points which should be emphasised, for the Commission is not the big, bad, land-hungry wolf that some people accuse us of being. We are going to Towy because the national forest programme makes it necessary; we must plant on a big scale in Wales. And, as already stated, this particular area is eminently suitable for our purpose. Whatever may be said to the contrary, the district is poor sheep country and, on the occasion of a recent return, was found to be carrying less than one sheep per acre.
With the advent of the Commission, the area will be opened up by 30 miles of new roads, and many houses will be built, the first 20 being sited at Rhandirmwyn. When the forest is fully established, there will be employment for 300, and whereas today there are probably fewer than 200 persons resident in the area, under forestry there will eventually be a local population of the order of 1,000 men, women and children.
It remains to be said that in no case will compulsory acquisition be resorted to until all attempts at voluntary negotiation have failed. As the farms are planted, the buildings and a piece of land will be offered to the occupants as Forest Workers Holdings; there will, of course, be a guarantee of work for any occupant who wishes to be employed by the Commission.
Details of the scheme were given to the tenants and owner-occupiers by Mr Lloyd Owen, Chairman of the National Committee for Wales, and Director, Wales, at a specially convened meeting held at Llandovery.
Honours
The Director General, Mr A.H. Gosling, has been honoured by the award of the C.B. He becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath, an ancient Order of Chivalry which dates back to 1399. The Director General is thus rewarded for his outstanding services to State forestry over a long period. After being a student at the Forestry Commission School for Foresters in 1919, he was appointed a Foreman-Forester. Later, at Edinburgh University, he obtained his Degree in Forestry and has subsequently served the Commission in every technical grade or post from District Officer to Director General. Before his appointment in 1947 as Deputy Director General, he was Director of Forestry for Scotland.
Mr John Webster, Divisional Officer in West Conservancy, Scotland, has received an M.B.E. He has been with the Commission since the Benmore Estate, of which he was factor, was given to the Commission nearly 25 years ago. His many friends and colleagues, knowing full well his sterling qualities (which include a great capacity for friendship) and the value of his work in West Scotland and Argyll in particular, will be delighted at this well merited recognition.
Christmas and New Year Parties
We have received reports of a number of seasonal celebrations. There seems no doubt that a good time was had by all, except perhaps by District Officer P.L. Winchester, who had the misfortune to - but please read on.
New Forest
In New Forest a Christmas party for the staff of the Division was arranged by a committee comprised of Mrs Foster, Miss Bond and Mrs Vicar, with colleagues lending a hand where required. Mr H. Matthews, of Lyndhurst Road Depot, and Foreman E.H. Leutscher, of Rhinefield Beat, were joint M.C.s and contributed to a considerable extent to the success of the evening of dancing and games.
Mr E. Wynne Jones, Deputy Surveyor, was accompanied by Mrs Wynne Jones, and others present were Divisional Officer G.D. Rouse and Mrs Rouse, Miss W. Ingram, Chief Clerk R. Coote and fiancée, District Officer Winchester and fiancée, Head Forester H.C. Young, Mrs Young and family, Mr E Channon (recently transferred to South East, England) and Mrs Channon. It was regretted that Assistant Engineer A.C. Sandwell was unable to be present owing to the illness of his daughter (who we are glad to say, has been reported as making a speedy recovery).
There was an unfortunate end to the party for District Officer Winchester, who had caused a good deal of interest by virtue of his wearing a kilt. When he left, he found that two suitcases containing clothes which he intended to take with him on leave the following day, had been stolen from his car. The party had to go on, however, and this it did to a satisfactory conclusion, with Mr Wynne Jones proposing a vote of thanks to all who had helped make the evening a success.
Aberystwyth
At Aberystwyth, an organising committee comprised of V.H. Williams, G. Williams, G. Owen and W. Kirkwood were responsible for the Welsh Directorate's third annual dinner and social evening.
The Director, Mr A.P. Long, and Mrs Long were present. The former contributing to the harmony of the proceedings by providing piano accompaniment to "musical chairs".
Conservator P. Cownie surprised the company by reaching a new "high note" in a duet with Miss J. Horsham.
Shrewsbury
The North Wales Conservancy staff held their annual Christmas party at Shrewsbury. Duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr George Farquhar and great hilarity was caused by the games which alternated with dancing. Prizes were distributed from the Christmas tree, a fine Norway spruce from Kerry Forest. A member of the staff, Mr Bob Jones, sang the ever popular "Trees".
York
About 50 members of the staff of North East England Conservancy and guests attended the Christmas dinner and party at York. Acquisitions Officer B.C. Selby was an efficient M.C. for the dancing and games, and a novelty item was provided by "The Hill Billies" - The Conservator Mr G.J.L. Batters (mandolin), Executive Officer J.C. Blott (harmonica), and C.O. J.S. Young (ukelele).
The room was given a festive appearance by a well decorated Christmas tree which was presented by a private estate. (Struth! Coals to Newcastle? - Editor).
Dumfries
At Dumfries the South Scotland Conservancy's annual dinner and dance was voted the best ever. Proceedings opened with "The Grand Old Duke" and closed with "Auld Land Syne", conducted by Forester "Jock" Hunter, the irrepressible life and soul of the party.
The prize in "Musical Arms" went to Miss Mary Lind. Was it a coincidence that in "Pass the Parcel" the winner, Mr J.C. Laidlaw, who is late of the Post Office, tore the contents (a black pudding) in half?
Much credit is due to the organising committee - Miss Jean Crawford (Secretary), Miss Mary Lind, Messrs M.J. Penistan (who also worked hard as M.C.), T.L. Clark and P. Merker.
Glasgow
Finally we have a report of the pre-Christmas annual dance-held at Glasgow by the staff of the West Conservancy, Scotland.
Our correspondent, J.P.W. chooses to be different: -
The shades of night were falling fast; As to the Burlington there passed,
The office staff of Conservancy West; All dressed up and at their best; The dance is on.
The field staff too were to the fore; And several guests who graced the floor,
With dances modern and old ones too; The flying hours were sadly few; The dance was on.
A running buffet close at hand; And a bar downstairs were in demand,
Paper hats and balloons as well; All helped to make the party swell; The dance went on.
There were prizes for the lucky few; And nylons going without a queue,
And from the bundle of hidden names; The first one drawn was Mrs James; The dance goes on.
Michael Long with bagpipes skirling; Played the reels that set us birling,
But soon too soon with time encroaching; The midnight hour was fast approaching; The dance wore on.
It was indeed a happy night; E'en the Committee felt quite bright,
In merry mood and feeling fine; We finished up with "Auld Lang Syne"; The dance was done.
Social Evening at Inverness
North (Scotland) Conservancy recently held the first-ever dinner and social. Led by Conservator James Fraser, a company of nearly 100 Foresters, District Officers and members of the office staff enjoyed an excellent dinner and a tuneful, cheerful evening. "We can't mention by name all those who contributed to the success of the evening," writes our correspondent. "If we mention Foresters A. MacLeman and F.D. Stobie (violins) and District Officer R.A. Innes (piano), we have certainly not forgotten the others."
Who’s Who in the Commission (No. 6) - Profile of a Headquarters Clerk
A.J. Walker, Clerk in the Information Section at Headquarters, has worn the uniform of four Services, been on active service in four wars, and has served on the sea, under the sea and above it. He served in the Navy from 1924 to 1938 and was on active service in 1930-32 during the Japanese-Chinese war, witnessing the signing of the "peace treaty" on board H.M.S. Suffolk at Shanghai, after the battle of Chapei. He was on active service during the Abyssinian War and his ship, H.M.S. Enterprise, conveyed Haile Selassie from Djibouti to Haifa when the latter's country was over-run by the Italians. During the Spanish Civil War he saw Franco's army enter Bilbao and Santander; in World War Two he served in the Police War Reserve, the Home Guard and the Air Force.
Our friend obviously served on the sea when he was in the Navy, but he also had spells in the Fleet Air Arm and submarine service, and thus served over and beneath the briny.
This profile of A.J. Walker would hardly be complete without reference to his hobbies and spare-time occupations. He holds a Commission in the R.N.V.R., his duties with the Sea Cadet Corps; he is a keen ship-modeller, furthermore he is a qualified demonstrator and lecturer in spiritualism.
Leaving
Miss D.Y. Kilmour, Executive Officer in the Office of Conservator, North Scotland, has resigned to become a probationer nurse.
Transfers
R.M.G. Semple, District Officer, Wimborne, SW(E), transferred to Launceston, SW(E);
A.W.L. Guile, District Officer, Devizes, SW(E), transferred to Bristol;
M.E.S. Dickenson, District Officer, Worcester, SW(E), transferred to Ledbury, SW(E);
J. Rennie, District Officer, Crieff, E(S), transferred to Perth, E(S);
W.C. Wilkins, District Officer, Tintern, S(W), transferred to Carmarthen, S(W);
J.H. James, District Officer, Brechfa, S(W), transferred to Tintern.
A.A. Parry, Head Forester, Swaffham, E(E), transferred to Isle of Wight, New;
T.E. Little, Forester, Brechfa, transferred to Slebech, S(W);
W.J. Green, Forester, Charmouth, SW(E), transferred to Wareham, SW(E);
J.R. Mounsey, Forester, Cilgwyn, S(W), transferred to Brechfa;
J.N. Judge, Foreman, Dovey Corris, N(W), transferred to Machynlleth, N(W);
V. Masson, Foreman, Tulliallan, Research, W(S) transferred to Fort Augustus, Research, N(S);
R.M. Burnett, Foreman, Michaelston, S(W), transferred to Cilgwyn;
T.N. Terry, Foreman, Chirdon, NE(E), transferred to York Forest, NE(E);
A.G. John, Foreman, Tintern North, transferred to Chepstow Park;
G.A. Goodlet, Foreman, Brennan, S(S), transferred to Kirroughtree, S(S);
S. Body, Clerk of Works, Margam, S(W), transferred to Rheola, S(W);
G. Fraser, Clerk of Works, Fort William, N(S), transferred to Culloden, N(S);
J. Geekie, H.C.O., Director, England, transferred to Director, Scotland.
Director General in National Broadcast - Debate On Amenity Problems
With representatives of the army and the British Electricity Authority, the Director General, Mr A.H. Gosling, took part in a Home Service broadcast in December in the "Taking Stock" series.
The purpose of the debate was to enable the Rev. H.H. Symonds, of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, to charge the Army, the Electricity Authority and the Forestry Commission with adversely affecting the appearance of the countryside. The actual title of the feature was "Is Our Countryside Threatened?" and, after hearing the broadcast, we think you may take it that it isn’t.
Presentation to Late Chief Education Officer
At headquarters recently, a presentation was made to Mr J.Q. Williamson who, as announced in the last issue of The Slasher, has been appointed Deputy Surveyor, Dean, in succession to Mr N.A. Wylie.
Mr J.G.S. Gillingham, referred to the happy relationship which had always existed between the staff and Mr Williamson as Chief Education Officer. The actual presentation was made by Mr James MacDonald, Director of Research and Education, who said he had known Mr Williamson for a number of years in East Anglia, while with H.T.P.D., and latterly at Headquarters. Undoubtedly it was in Mr Williamson's interests that he should go to the Dean, but nevertheless he would be very much missed at Headquarters.
In voicing his thanks Mr Williamson recalled that he had been privileged to bring the Education Branch into being, and would always have its welfare at heart. He counted himself fortunate in having had the support of a loyal and happy staff.
Co-operative Forestry in Wales - Former School Instructor As Manager
The first co-operative forestry movement to be promoted in Wales would appear to have a good future. Members are woodland owners in the Dovey Valley, and forestry operations are being carried out in parts of Merionethshire, Montgomeryshire and Cardiganshire. A nursery has been established, and Mr W.T. Jenkins, formerly an instructor at Gwydyr Forester Training School, has been seconded by the Commission for duties as manager of the movement - Dovey Woodlands (Coedlannau Bro Ddyfi) Ltd., to give it its full title. The Chairman is Mr Lloyd Owen, a Forestry Commissioner and Chairman of the Commission's National Committee for Wales. The first balance sheet, recently issued, shows that 23 members have subscribed £2,300 in capital.
Marriages
Mr L.C. Nash, Clerical Officer, The Dean, married Miss Jean Pritchard, of Gloucester.
Miss Dorothy Humphries, Forest Clerk at Highmeadow Woods, The Dean, married Mr Harold Godwin, a local farmer. The bride is a daughter of Mr W.J. Humphries, a retired Head Forester.
Births
A son was born to Mrs Wildash and Forester J.T. Wildash, Savernake.
A daughter was born to Mrs Smith and Mr Derrick Smith, Executive Officer, at Headquarters.
Retired
Mr D.W. Young, New Forest, who retired as Deputy Surveyor in August, recently attended a presentation in the Verderers Hall, Lyndhurst. Those present included Mrs Young; the Director General (Mr A.H. Gosling); Director, England (Mr O.J. Sangar); Mr E. Wynne Jones, the new Deputy Surveyor; and some 60 members of the staff who had served under Mr Young. Lord Robinson, who was introduced by Divisional Officer G.D. Rouse, said his association with Mr Young commenced in 1913, when the latter was a member of a forestry field survey party of the Department of Agriculture. After the setting up of the Forestry Commission, Mr Young became, in turn, Deputy Surveyor of Dean Forest and, in 1931, of New Forest. During his 18 years service in the latter post he had successfully maintained a balance between the interests of local residents and the needs of forestry. "Milestones" in Mr Young's career, said Lord Robinson, were the settling of the Wareham heaths dispute, his work during the recent war, when a great deal of timber was taken out of the forest, and his work as secretary of the Committee whose Report led to the New Forest Act of 1949.