SOFTWOOD TIMBER.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19357, 9 July 1928, Page 11

SOFTWOOD TIMBER.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PBZSS. Sir,—ln connexion with the importation of telegraph and electric lino poles, I read an article some time ago which described a process by -which the less durable or soitwood timbers could be made to outlast any of the hardwood timbers now used by us to construct our various lines and other structures (bridges, et-c.). Briefly the process was this: When the green timber is taken from the bush it is p.aeed in a vacuum cylinder which extracts all the sap from it, leaving the timber thoroughly dry and porous; it is then placed in a closed vessel containing a powerful preservative which is forced into the timber under air pressure. I don't know whether this process is patented or protected in any way, but whether or not I think it would be in 11 io interest of the country in general ami local bodies in particular to find out if the process has proved successful. If so, wo could use the timber "rowing in our own forests and plantations, provide employment for a manlier of our own men, get cheaper poles, and incidentally keep a little moro money in the country. From my own knowledge I know there is any quantity of suitable timber in Canterbury if the durability question was solved. However, I would like to see the opinions of some of the engineers and others qualified to write on the subject, as it is becoming of increasing importance.—Yours. etc.! VITA BREVIS. July 7th. lfll'S.