TIMBER IMPORTATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 242, 13 October 1925, Page 10

TIMBER IMPORTATIONS.

LAST YEAR'S. INCREASE

Some interesting information with reference to timber importations was supplied to a "Dominion" reporter by Mr. A. R. Entriean, of the State Forest Service. In most classes of timber, he explained, there was a considerable increase in the amount imported up to the end of August of this year, over that imported during the corresponding period of 1024. Whilst there wae * "light decrease in * few classes, the total increase was approximately eleven million superficial feet, the flgum being:— 1924, 41,000,000 feet; 1925, 62,000,000 feet.

The classes showing a marked increase were:—Douglas fir: 1924, 10,000,000 feet} 1925, 10,500,000 feet. He mentioned that Douglas fir was now coming into New Zealand in large quantities owing to overproduction in the United States, and therefore, it should be possible to supply this timber at a fairly low price. Cedar (mostly western red cedar): 1924, less than 1,000,000 feet; 1925, 4,500,000 feet. This large increase was due to the fact that cedar is a very durable timber, and is being used a great deal in place of matai for weather-boarding. Hemlock and spruce: 1924, 500,000 feet, 1925, 1,000,000 feet. Jarah: 1924, 2,500,000 feet; 1925, 5,500,000 feet. Poles and Sleepers: 1924, 11,500,000 feet; 1925, 18,250,000 feet.

The figures for ordinary ironbark were:—l 924, 10,500,000 feet; 1925, 3,333,100 feet. This was the only item which showed a decrease, and this could be partly attributed to the likelihood of a portion of the ordinary ironbark having been classified under poles and sleepers.