NEW ZEALAND PLYWOOD

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27402, 15 July 1954, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND PLYWOOD

Sir,—Congratulations to “AntiTrust” on his letter about 3-ply; but he is very fortunate to be able to get 8 by 4 sheets as manufacturers using 3-ply are unable to obtain any regular supply in thickness, size, etc., that is really required to be economical in manufacture. Your splendid editorial on the linseed oil market, which appeared in “The Press” of June 19, showed the position in that industry, but the position as far as 3-ply, which is controlled by the same group, is concerned is worse. Whereas the paint manufacturer and private individual were getting a good supply of oil at a price, the user of 3-ply is just neglected.—Yours, etc., CHEAPER HOMES. July 8, 1954.

Sir, —I read with interest the remarks of “Anti-Trust” in this morning’s correspondence column on the subject of plywood. I agree with his remarks and, if space permitted, could add many more of my own. I consider the printed reply evasive and misleading. May I suggest that you allow one of your reporters to interview some of the plywood distributors and also some of the manufacturers, particularly those engaged in the manufacture of doors and furniture. The results, I can assure you, will be most enlightening. If you cared to comment editorially on the result of aforesaid investigations, I am sure it would be warmly welcomed by all manufacturers dependent on receiving adequate supplies of plywood in sizes and thicknesses suitable for the economic manufacture of their various products.—Yours, etc., ANTI-MONOPOLY. July 8, 1954.

[When these letters were referred to Fletcher Holdings, Ltd., the joint general manager (Mr B. Cooper) replied as follows:—“The supply and distribution of plywood has recently been fully discussed by representatives of the joiners’ and master builders’ association, distributors, door manufacturers, and plywood manufacturef-s, at a conference called by the Department of Industries and Commerce. No doubt the department will make an announcement on this subject.” Mr Cooper said that his company controls only two of the four plywood factories in New Zealand.]