MARKETS SOUGHT FOR TIMBER

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33916, 8 August 1975, Page 1

MARKETS SOUGHT FOR TIMBER

Sawminers have been asked to stop cutting standing timber in Canterbury.

The request was made] after a meeting in Christchurch yesterday of representatives of the Forest Service, growers, and processing industries to discuss how to deal with timber that was blown over in the recent storm. It was felt that all members of the •• Sawmilling Association and other sawmillers would co-operate, and that the request would cause no problems. Two years The meeting was optimistic that all fallen logs would be recovered within two years. However, until all internal and export market possibilities had been looked at it was impossible to say how long it would take. If the increased volume of timber could be absorbed into a variety of markets, many factors, such as an increase in transport, would have to be investigated. There was no desire or immediate intention of invoking

IGovernment control over the problem, said the Conservator of Forests (Mr J. W. Levy) last evening. Mr Levy said that there were 14 to 15 representatives at the meeting who took available figures, and looked at the processing capacity of factories and industry and their ability to increase production to cope with the increase in available timber. “I deliberately restricted the meeting, which has troubled a lot of people,” said Mr Levy. “However, the interest of the small private grower was watched very carefully, and we came up with a procedure that would ensure equitable treatment for everyone,” he said. The meeting looked at market possibilities, and at the levels of supplies that would have to be absorbed by these markets. Exporting was one of the more attractive possibilities, said Mr Levy. Already many departmental inquiries had been made within the Forest Service about the possibility of large export sales. Too early Alternatives such as stockpiling were also considered. This would include not only sawn timber but processed products as well. The meeting felt that it was too early to decide where the products could be stockpiled. However, they said that there would be a steady flow of sales from the stock piles. The effects on the future resource of timber coming into the industry was also discussed, but until accurate figures were available, aerial maps had been studied and ground work had been completed, it was too early to assess the effects. “There will be much less timber immediately available after the recovery, but we have looked at ways to cushion the effect,” said Mr Levy. He would not elaborate on this statement.

Some of the timber had been badly damaged; some could be used for sawn timber. Logs would be sent to local mills or overseas, others could be used for chipping or for posts and poles. The industry would continue producing as before. More transport “When we see which way the bulk of the surplus will go, whether ’for export or stockpiling, we will be able to plan for additional transport to cope with the demand.” There would be additional demand on logging and transport, which would have to be introduced to Canterbury. Already many offers had been received. “It is too soon to know the quantity which will be needed,” said Mr Levy. The group will meet at least once more, when it has a clearer picture of the market opportunities overseas and in New Zealand.

A permanent committee of about four members will be convened. Members will be representatives of growers and processing industries. This group will co-ordinate efforts and assess problems as they arise from all groups who are dealing with the surplus. It will ensure an equit-

able allocation to processing industries and other markets.