N.Z. SUPPLIES OF TIMBER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27369, 7 June 1954, Page 8

N.Z. SUPPLIES OF TIMBER

“CHRONIC SHORTAGE OVERCOME ” (New Zealand Press Association) w WELLINGTON, June 6. The chronic shortage of timber which was a legacy of the war has . now been finally overcome,” said the ’ Mmister of Forests (Mr E. B. Corbett) , today. “For the third year to succession, the total production of sawn timber has remained stable at approxi- c mately 570,000,000 board feet.” ; • <l s ere h ad been a significant change , m the kinds of timber produced, said J the Minister, and for the first time ‘ since 1947 indigenous production had , fallen to 14,000,000 board feet. Mr Cor- J bett considered that this reflected 1 great credit on the indigenous sawmillers, who clearly realised the virtue I of conserving indigenous timber, both ’ as a national duty and also to prolong ; the cutting life of their mills. 1 Parallel to this drop in indigenous cutting was a corresponding increase in the use of exotic timbers, Mr Corbett said. With the development of large-scale treatment plants in the last : few years, the available stocks of i exotics had increased greatly. j In support of his statement* that the ] chronic shortage of timber had been i overcome, Mr Corbett said a record i number of houses had been built last I year. The figures for exotic timber i sales showed that there was less pres- < sure than formerly on heart-grade in- 1 digenous timber. This was a step ; along the road all wished to travel, he t said. . j