Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 32 - August 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.
Last Season’s Planting Programme Figure Reached
It is a matter for congratulation of all concerned that last season's planting programme of nearly 53,000 acres was to all intents and purposes successfully carried out.
Good work has been done in other directions, too. For example the lining-out programme was exceeded by well over 27 million, the number of plants involved being 227,497,000.
The seed-sowing programme was also exceeded, 15,469 lbs, of conifer seed being used as against the programme figure of 14,000 lbs., and 177,987 lbs., of hardwood seed compared with the 172,700 lbs. which, it was thought, would be sown.
Welsh Foresters in Ireland - Old Acquaintances Renewed
Paying a "return" visit to Ireland, following last year's visit to North Wales of a party of Irish foresters, several members of the Commission’s staff recently spent an interesting and instructive time. The tour was made at the invitation of the Irish Forestry Society, those taking part being Mr F.C. Best, Conservator, North Wales, and Foresters P. Harrison, A.I. Davies, R. Waters, L.E. Hughes and I.O. Morris. Irish forestry headquarters were visited in Dublin and there, a number of old acquaintances were renewed. A visit was paid to Avondale, the Forester Training School, and to a number of forest areas, and also to a great peat district where the bog is being worked and the peat burnt to produce electric power. It is hoped eventually to plant the locality with trees, so that to some extent Ireland is following this country and attempting, as we are doing in the case of slag heaps, to hide her industrial scars beneath a mantle of green.
On the social side, the party was entertained to dinner by the Society and at this function the Director of Forestry in Ireland and two former Directors were present. One of the latter was Mr A.C. Forbes, who is 84, and who greatly impressed the visitors when on tour, by climbing the hills with remarkable agility.
"After rationed Britain,” says Forester Harrison, "the feeding was exceptionally good, and our boat must have been inches lower in the water on our return journey. We hope to see more of our Irish friends in future, both in Ireland and in Wales."
Another Skeleton Found in Forest - Worker’s Grim Discovery
While brashing in Harwood Forest, North East England, Forest Worker T. Slaughter had an unpleasant experience, for he came across a human skeleton lying against a tree. This is the second occasion recently that a human skeleton has been found on Commission property; readers will no doubt recall that in the June issue of The Slasher, we reported a gruesome find at Mortimer, North West England.
The discovery at Harwood was immediately reported to the police, the remains later being identified as those of a Newcastle man who had at one time worked in the district for H.T.P.D. and for private firms. A pathologist said, at the inquest that it was impossible to tell the cause of death, and an open verdict was returned.
Another Spinning Whorl and Some More About Neolithic Flints
In the May issue of The Slasher, we told how Forester R.J. Jennings, St. Asaph, North Wales, found a small stone disc at Dovey Forest, which was later identified as an ancient whorl used in the process of spinning thread. A similar find was made only a few weeks ago by Foreman R.M. Edward during draining operations on the Craigbill Hill, Mabie Forest, South Scotland. This particular disc was forwarded to the National Museum of Antiquities at Edinburgh. A report has now been received and reads as follows: -
This object is a spindle whorl such as was used as a kind of flywheel in spinning with a spindle and distaff.
There is a very great variety in the shapes and decorations of such objects. The one from Mabie is particularly well decorated and I do not think we have another of quite the same appearance, so that we would like to retain it. Such objects were used over the last 2,000 years and in most cases, as in this case, it is not possible to give any approximate indication of the age.
Forester D.R. Beaumont, Micheldever, South East England, writes: "Forester Jennings does not describe the flints he found, but possibly they were scrapers, or axes. I have found flint flakes and scrapers and an arrowhead (possibly early Bronze Age) in Chiddingfold Nursery, South East England, and also flint scrapers at Westbury Forest, in Micheldever nursery, and Orlestone Forest (all in South East England). Those found at Micheldever, include a small thumbnail scraper, so called because of its shape and size, and two or three hollow scrapers which were probably used for shaping arrow shafts or bone needles. The larger scrapers were no doubt used in skin dressing.
"Flint flakes, if broken by human agency, always show much the same characteristics - a smooth silky surface, a swelling at one end, known as the bulb of percussion, and at the end of the bulb, a flat surface known as the striking platform. Large flints were broken in half, and flakes for various tools were struck off, leaving a core which was sometimes used to rub down skins and soften them for use."
Seven Years For One Rabbit - Justice, 1813 Vintage
Nowadays we look upon the rabbit as an unmitigated pest, and a forester is the last man to shed tears at a rabbit's demise, but 140 years ago, rabbits were valuable property indeed. Read what happened at Thetford Chase, in East Anglia (now the second biggest State forest); "In 1813 Robert Plum, aged 22, and Rush Lingwood, aged 18, were indicted at the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, for entering the warren of Thomas Robertson, of Hockwold, farmer and warrener, and taking one coney from a trap. Plum was transported for seven years, and Lingwood received two years imprisonment."
This information comes from "In Breckland Wilds", by R.R. and W.G. Clarke (Heffer, Cambridge, 1937). An authoritative account of the Thetford countryside which all concerned with afforestation in East Anglia could read with interest and enjoyment.
Commissioners in West Scotland - Tour in Argyllshire
The Forestry Commissioners were recently welcomed to the West Conservancy, Scotland, for the second year in succession. Their usual monthly meeting was held in Dunoon and the inspection tour which followed enabled them to see something of forests in mid-Argyll and the Cowal area. It was quickly apparent that the Conservancy intended that its programme, which was admirably arranged, should be carried out with precision. This proved most commendable and clock-like, although locally there was some anxiety lest the bus bringing some of the Commissioners to Glasgow for the night train to London would not arrive in time. Had the train been missed there was not a bed available in Glasgow, owing to bookings by visitors to the Highland Show, and hotels for miles around were equally crowded.
Glenfinart Forest was visited by members of the Technical Committee, some of whom, with the Commissioners, visited the Highland Show at Paisley. Benmore and Knapdale forests were also visited, and while en route to Sir George Campbell’s Cumlodden Estate, the party drove via Kilmichael, Kilmory, Asknish and Minard forests. On the way to Glasgow, the visitors passed through Ardgarten Forest and momentarily forgetting matters of purely sylvicultural interest, were impressed by their view of the famous Rest and Be Thankful Hill, now used as a course for motor trials.
The tour included a voyage on the T.S.S. Columba through the Kyles of Bute to Ardrishaig.
1,000 Schoolchildren Visit Forestry Exhibition - Successful Display at Edinburgh
A forestry exhibition staged in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, has closed after attracting a great deal of attention. It was intended in the first place to restrict the display to one of photographs supplied by Headquarters, but enthusiasts in the Edinburgh office decided to go further, with the result that on the opening day, there were on show exhibits giving a general outline of where the State forests in Scotland are situated, and how they have been established. Seedlings and bigger trees were also to be seen.
There is no doubt that the exhibition will have done much for the cause of forestry in Scotland, for it was seen and appreciated by very many people. Through the co-operation of the Director of Education for Edinburgh, more than 1,000 pupils representing the handicraft classes of the City's secondary schools, were conducted round the display, the escorting teachers being aided by appropriate notes prepared by District Officer I.O. Robertson who, with John Massie, also of the Edinburgh office, was largely responsible for arranging the show and ensuring its success.
The opening ceremony was performed by Mr Thomas Johnston, formerly a Forestry Commissioner and former Chairman of the National Committee for Scotland, and was presided over by Professor Sir Alexander Gray, who deputised for the Lord Provost, Sir Andrew Murray. Supporting Mr Johnston was Sir Henry Beresford Peirse, Director of Forestry for Scotland.
Cheek
Down at Woking, Surrey, Headquarters of the South East England Conservancy, the Conservator discussed with the Chief Clerk, Mr H.W. Gulliver, an instruction he proposed to issue to field staff. This was intended to draw attention to the great increase in the grey squirrel population in the Conservancy, and proposed an intensified campaign and a higher sum for the tail of each squirrel destroyed.
Soon afterwards, a grey squirrel was seen sunning himself, happily perched on the top of the Conservator's car and within a few yards of the window of the very room in which the 'blitz" on his species had been planned.
The Highland Show - Fire Tower Put to Good Use
West Conservancy, Scotland, in liaison with Research and Education, made a good job of staging the Commission's exhibit at the Royal Highland Show, held at Paisley for the first time since 1913. Work was carried out in co-operation with the Royal Scottish Forestry Society and from unofficial sources, it is clear that the display created a very favourable impression.
A great deal of publicity was given to the fire danger theme and a specially erected fire tower was put to practical use by the local fire brigade, members being posted in it in order to keep watch over the showground. This tower was first erected at Strathyre Forest and was brought to the show in sections. It will eventually be returned to its original site.
A model sawmill proved a great attraction to visitors, and photographs, examples of utilisation of timber and so on all helped to make the stand well worth a visit.
The Lynx-Eyed Reader
A correspondent points out that in our last month’s story "Making a Case for Headquarters", each dog was referred to as being a "him", yet it was disclosed that one eventually had pups. We would like to plead that our error was the month’s deliberate mistake, but there is no defence. We slipped.
Transfers
W.S. Fergusson, District Officer, Dumfries, S(S), transferred to Mabie, S(S);
W.F. French, District Officer, Mulben, E(S), transferred to Fochabers, E(S);
I.F. MacIver, District Officer, Bristol, SW(E), transferred to Exeter SW(E);
J. Williams, Head Forester, Dartmoor, SW(E), transferred to Fineshades, E(E);
J.M. Bruce, Forester, HQ., transferred to Brandon, E(E);
W. McDonald, Forester, Tulliallan, W(S) transferred to Drumtochty, E(E);
J.H. Thomson, Forester, Research, Benmore, W(S), transferred to Research, Rashfield-by-Dunoon;
W.J. Nicolson, Forester, Fiunary, N(S), transferred to Torrachilty, N(S);
B.H. Sainsbury, Forester, Stockley, New, transferred to Holmsley, New;
D.J. McNaught, Forester, Dalbeattie, S(S), transferred to Dalmacallan, S(S);
C.R. Dick, Forester, Glentress, S(S), transferred to Ae, S(S);
D. Robertson, Foreman, Research, Benmore, transferred to Rashfield-by-Dunoon;
J.H. Stafford, Foreman, Coed-y-Brenin, N(W), transferred to Aberhirnant, N(W);
D.E.S. Perkins, Foreman, Holmsley, New, transferred to Burley, New;
P. Wood, Foreman, Ferndown, New, transferred to Education, Northerwood House;
C.J. McPhee, Foreman, Inverinan, W(S), transferred to Research, Fort Augustus, N(S);
E.R. Huggard, Planning Officer, Crychan, S(W), transferred to Director, Wales, Aberystwyth;
Miss J.M.A. Sharpe, Executive Officer, Research, London, transferred to Woking, SE(E);
Miss E.M. Lowes, Executive Officer, Education, London, transferred to Director, England, London;
N.C. Gordon, Clerical Officer, Woking, transferred to Director, Scotland.
Appointments
A.R. Bromley, Assistant Engineer, SW(E);
J.D. Bush, Assistant Engineer, S(W);
A.W.C. Driver, Assistant Engineer, Director, Scotland;
J. Hunter, Assistant Engineer, W(S);
Miss S.E.M. O’Shaughnessy, Executive Officer, Director, England;
Miss J.G. Rowe, Executive Officer, E(S);
K. Lilley, Clerical Officer, E(E);
J.T. Gordon, Clerical Officer, W(S);
H.C. Crawford, Clerical Officer, Education;
Miss E.J. Low, Clerical Officer, S(S);
G.C. Beard, Clerical Officer, HQ.
This and That
From the agenda of a recent meeting of the Commission branch of a staff association: "Natters Arising".
Last football match of the season between Forest Workers at Aberfoyle and the West Conservancy Office, Scotland, resulted in a 3- 3 draw, the game being played at Glasgow.
We congratulate Assistant Engineer J.M. Wilson, office of Director, England, who has passed the B.Sc. (Eng,) London Examination.
Honours - Like Father, Like Son
Meritorious service of both father and son has now been recognised. Recently Mr E.S.J. Hinds, Chief Clerk at the office of Director, England, was awarded an M.B.E. for his outstanding work on behalf of the Department.
News has now been received that his son Sgt. Ronald Hinds, has been awarded the B.E.M. for gallant and distinguished service in Malaya, where he is serving with the Tank Corps.
Retired
Forester G. Woodward, formerly of Allerston, NE(E), who retired last month, commenced his career with the Commission in Kerry Forest in 1923. He was transferred to Dalby in 1927 and remained in North East England, moving to Bickley, Allerston in 1933.
Marriages
Miss Anne Smith, telephonist in the Dumfries Office, married Mr Hamilton Truckell, of Dumfries.
District Officer S.U. Robertson, West Scotland, married Miss Marjorie MacKenzie, of Dumfries.
Executive Officer A.F. Musto, Bristol office, married Miss Maisie Hall, of Yate, Glos.
Miss I. Findley, typist at Bristol, married Mr R.N. Elmes of Bristol.
Obituaries
Mr H. Halsey, a former Forester, who retired on health grounds earlier this year, has died after an illness lasting more than two years. On leaving the Dean School in 1927 Mr. Halsey served continuously in what is now the Eastern Conservancy, England, being stationed at Rockingham at the time of retirement. He was promoted to Grade I Forester in January, 1943.
Divisional Officer William Forsyth, of York NE(E), died on August Bank Holiday. He had undergone a major operation and died in hospital. Mr Forsyth, who was not quite 40 years of age, was a native of Forres, Morayshire. He commenced his forestry career when he took up forest work on the well known Darnaway Estates, and subsequently obtained his degree in forestry at Edinburgh University. He joined the Forestry Commission in 1936.
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