TIMBER EXPORT TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 74, 28 March 1895, Page 2

TIMBER EXPORT TRADE.

Messrs John' Smyth and Co., timber merchants of this city, inform us, with regard bo the shipping of kauri timber hence to England, thab during the last year they have shippod nearly, a quarter of a million feeb of aawn timber to England, specially to order. Mr Smyth sonb a trial consignment to his brother, which the latter distributed in small parcels, chiefly in London and on the Continent, and the result had been so far satisfactory; He goes on to say : " Any large quantity of kauri placed on the London market at present would not be beneficial. Only a few years since 6ome reckless shipments were made any size and every quality, which barely realised freights. The first few shipments we have had to suffer from dockages, as they are most particular in haying strictly to order. Rough ends and knots or shakes must not be sent. Kauri timber is a sort of luxury ab home, being nearly - double the price of American, Danzig and Swedish building timbers, so that the consumption is limited, and.any large quantity forced on the market depresses prices and it is difficult to get them up again. Consigning I look upon as ruinoua, the enormous dock and landing charges and brokerage will almost certain result in lose." Smyth and Co. are sending a shipment ,of 60,000 feet of kauri timber to London by' the Norwegian barque Ophelia, now in pord. The timber ia used in England for work in buildings, in cabinet work, etc., and also in the manufacture of pianos. *