At a meeting of the Exhibition Committee held on the evening of the 20th inst, with Mr G. S. O’Sullivan initially presiding and later succeeded by the Mayor, Mr M. Donnelly, the following letter was read:

Dublin, 16th June, 1904.

My Dear Mr Mayor,

The objective of the upcoming Exhibition, to be opened on 2nd July, encompasses not only a showcase of existing industries in the city and surrounding areas but also aims to draw attention to potential new employment opportunities and increased prosperity. One of the most fruitful avenues for achieving both is through “planting” initiatives.

According to a statistical paper prepared by the esteemed authority, Mr K. Schlich, F.R.S., it is evident that during the year 1899, timber worth £25,190,458 was imported into these islands. Mr Nisbet of the Scotch Forestry estimates that £18,000,000 worth of softwood could have been grown in Great Britain and Ireland. Undoubtedly, £1,000,000 per year could have been cultivated in Ireland, utilizing its 2,000,000 acres of suitable but currently wasted land. This fact has been repeatedly emphasized to various governments. Sir Robert Kane highlighted it over 50 years ago, and in 1885, Dr William K. Sullivan, the former President of Cork College, also drew attention to it. During his testimony before Sir Radclyffe Wilmot’s Select Committee in 1885, Dr Sullivan stated, “Thirty years ago, when the Government had decided to establish these expensive Model Farm Schools, I recommended the reclamation and planting of wastelands and mountainsides. Had that been done, Ireland would be richer today by thirty million sterling.” In response, the government dispatched an expert from Denmark, Consul Howits, to investigate and report on the matter. He expressed, “I think the question of planting is one of vital importance to that country, and that instead of having five million people, there ought to be twenty-five million.” Yet, another twenty years have passed, and half a million more people have emigrated from this country due to a lack of employment.

However, I am addressing you, Mr Mayor, on this subject because it holds municipal significance. In Germany, all the waste and mountainous lands in the vicinity of Taunus are planted and yield abundant revenues. These areas are referred to as “wood parks” or “forest gardens,” providing employment and economic benefits to the community.

I propose that Limerick follows this example and initiates a comprehensive program of afforestation. By doing so, we can simultaneously address the issue of unemployment and turn our currently unused land into a valuable asset. I urge the city council to consider allocating resources and promoting the establishment of a Limerick Forest Commission that would oversee and coordinate these efforts.

Such an undertaking would not only contribute to the overall prosperity of the city but also have positive environmental effects, such as mitigating erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the overall aesthetics of the landscape. Furthermore, it would provide employment opportunities for many, thereby stemming the tide of emigration and fostering a sense of pride and purpose among our citizens.

I humbly request your support and assistance in bringing this matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities and encouraging them to take action. Together, we can create a brighter future for Limerick and its inhabitants.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your favourable response.

Yours sincerely,

Charles Dawson.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 21 June 1904