MUSSEL BEACH

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 April 1920, Page 3

MUSSEL BEACH

SAWMILLING CENTRE. (Per Press Association.) TNVERCAKGILL, March 29. Some years ago the Marlborough Timber Company extended its operations to Mussel Beach, another restricted name for a great tract of previously uninhabited bush country lying over 00 miles north-west of Invereargiil, behind Tuatapere. The extent of this area of bush is conceivable when it is stated that the timber is expected to last at least 6'o years, even at a ve°ry high, rate of consumption. There are now over 40 workers, many of them with families, living'at this iso-

lated spot, which is difficult of access, and far from any centre of civilisation. The little community is self-contained, in the broad sense of the term, and a boardinghouse, a post office, and a school have been established in its midst. The company has spared no pains to make the place as attractive as possible, and many of the workers are quite content to not ap-aiu draw near to tlie "madding crowd," except on occasions of holiday. It is said that at the beginning of the year the company had spent more than £.100,000 in developing the industry at the beach, and in a few months it is hoped to erect a new mill with an output of 40,000 ft per dav. The present output is GOOOft'daily. A breakwater has been erected, and it is at present receiving the finishing touches. The wharf is being extended another five chains in order to get a sufficient depth of water to allow of ocean-going vessels berthing. To-flay a gentleman • who has seen the' development of a number of sawmills told a renorter that Mussel Beach, or Tort Craig, as it is now called, was going to develop into the largest centre of the industry in Ota go and Southland.