THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 298, 21 June 1909, Page 5

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

y Mr H. Simmonds. of G. A.^Gamm au and Co., Ltd., Palmerstoii N., ■ v-has just- returned from a visit 'to Taui-nnga. As is generally known the firm possesses the Paengaroa block of 17,500 acres, situated within the Taurauga county. For somo time a number of men have been engaged' on rough survey work, with the idea of ascertaining the best routes for tramways. Mr kunmonds states that, the quality, of the rimu in the, Paengaroa and surroundings blocks is the finest in New. Zealand, and is particularly free froni sap, as the trees have plenty of "heart," ' while they have grown to a, great x length. The length of the trees, will thus be a great advantage Avben milling operations are commenced. Mr Simmonds estimates that there is a supply of timber in , the TauraiKga bushes to keep mills going for a period of 20 "or 30 years. He says ' the shipping facilities which Tauranga possesses are going to be a- big " factor in placing the sawn timber on the market at ,a reasonable rate. The eastern boundary of the block is about seven miles from the Wairoa river and the firm proposes to convey- . the sawn timber from the mills to the rirer by .railway, there putting it aboard scows, for transport to Wellington and other southern centres. Mr Simmonds is also very pleased ■with tho quality of. the soil at Paengaroa, and said land of this description on the Main Trunk line— with the timber on it— would realise from £15 -to > £16 aii acre, computing the value on the prices being obtained for bush country . down there. Messrs Gamman ami Co. are not connected with the timber combine, and their big mill at Ohakune is now turning out about 30,000 feet of timber daily. In answer to. a. question, Mr Simwonds said" the firm hope to commence the erection of their plant . during the, coming summer. It will be one.ofythe most up-to-date in the

colony, and will be. the means of

finding employment for a large nuniTaer of men in" that, district. — Standard.