HARDWOOD POLES

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 112, 12 May 1923, Page 8

HARDWOOD POLES

The difficulty experienced by the engineer to the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board (Mr. W. A. Waters) in having transmission poles cut to specifications in Australia, that is, in having the sapwood trimmed off, is commented upon by ,the "Australian" in a letter to the Editor. He says that Mr. Waters is evidently not aware that ironbark and similar Australian timbers rot from the centre, and the sap is the most lasting and durable. As an Australian bushman he can understand why the men engaged in pole getting do not like cutting off the sap, and can imagine the comments those men make regarding New Zealand's idea' on this question; for they are cutting off the best of the timber. New Zealand timbers are the reverse to the Australian; the sap part is of little use, and it is well that buyers should realise the difference., "Australian's" comment was referred to an officer of the State Forest Service, and it was. stated that the writer is, in-a way, both right and wrong. It is true that the Australian hardwoods decay from the centre: but the "pith-rot" i 6 slight, and not to be compared to that which occurs in the sap-wood. "Pith-rot" is prevented in Australia by boring a hole into the pole a couple of feet above the ground, and sloping down into the centre of the pole. Tliis hole is filled with creosote and plugged, and' the oil soaks down through the pith and preserves the wood.