OPTIMISTIC REPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 4, 6 January 1938, Page 20

OPTIMISTIC REPORTS.

WHITE PINE SUPPLIES.

figures cut in half.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

HOKITIKA, Wednesday,

All previous reports which have been given me about supplies of white pine in the South Westland district show that estimates have been fabulously optimistic, and the latest figures cut the former figures in half," said the Commissioner of State; Forests, the Hon. F. Langstone, in an interview at Hokitika this morning. "Areas at one time thought to be wholly white pine bush have turned out to be bush fringed with white pine. Less than two years ago it was estimated that in the South Westland region there was 1,100,000.000 board feet of white pine. This estimate has been reduced to about 400,000,000 board feet.

"The growing requirements of the dairy industry in the North Island demand that close attention be paid to the white pine supplies of the South Westland district," said the Minister. "Just what quantity of white pine there is in this area is difficult to estimate until a proper survey is made. At the present rate of consumption the available supply may last for another 15 years.

"In the meantime we may be able to switch over to sap rimu boxes. Last year 5000 rimu boxes were used to contain butter and reports received from London were favourable. If it is possible to manufacture our butter boxes from rimu, this will lift a very big ID--«d of anxiety frpni the Government and the Marketing Department, and will ease the question, of 'supplies ; SfOT .many years to come. Tawa, timber may also serve for this purpose." : '