TIMBER RESOURCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1947, Page 2

TIMBER RESOURCES

STANDS ON HARBOUR BOARD ENDOWMENT QUESTION OF APPRAISAL In future, the Greymputh Harbour Board will consider the granting of timber milling and cutting rights over portions of its 11,600 acres of endowments which carry stands of timber only after appraisals have been made and a deposit has been paid, as in the case of State forests. This was decided last evening after the board had heard a full report on its timber resources prepared by its engineer (Mr. D. S. Kennedy). The report followed a discussion at the December meeting or the board, when an indication was given that members were not satisfied with the existing position in regard to timber cutting rights and royalties received. In his report, Mr. Kennedy said that the total area of endowments on which there were stands of timber was 11,600 acres. The DobsonArnold area (4840 acres approximately) contained about 750,000 boaid feet of millable timber, of which only about 500,000 feet would be available for economic milling. On the Arnold-Stillwater area, there was silver pine suitable for posts and mining timber was scattered throughout the area. Much of the country presented difficulties in working, and the actual timber that could be milled, would depend on the millers outlay in labour and haulage gear, and whether it would mean an economic proposition. Back Country Areas In the Coal Pit Heath-Brunner-area (3.090 acres approximately), most of the north Brunner area was very steep, but good timber stands appeared to be available in the back country, especially around the head of Sulky creek. A small portion of this was held by Mr. Blanche, but was recently transferred to Mr. T. J. W. Beale. The position in this case required clarification on the point ol leasing the area. From the information he had to hand, he was of the opinion that there was 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 feet of timber available in this area, but like the Dobson area, it would depend on the miller’s equipment as to how much of the area would be workable. There was also inining timber available. In the Paparoa area (2,000 acres approximately) there was no timber available for milling. In the Ten Mile-Twelve Mile creek area (1,670 acres approximately), the steep rugged nature of the country would make the area worthless as far as milling was concerned. A certain amount of mining limber was available along the Ten Mile creek, but access was difficult.

Engineer's Recommendations The engineer recommended that the board consider the granting of milling and cutting rights only after appraisals and the payment of a deposit as set out by the Forestry Department. He did not consider that any benefit would be gained by a general appraisement at the present time as it would cost about £lOO, and no immediate benefit would be obtained. Each application could be dealt with on its merits. Mr. R. Clark said it was reported that the State was likely to take over the Paparoa coal mine and he asked what would be the board’s position in that event. The chairman’(Mr. E. W. Heenan) said it was taken for granted that the State would be in the same position as the Paparoa Coal Company. It would have only the coal rights and the board would retain the timber rights over the endowment area contained in the lease. Recommendations Adopted In reply to a further question by Mr. W. M. Wallace, the chairman said that the royalty rates proposed would be the same as State Forest It was decided that, the engineer’s report be adopted and that effect be given to his recommendations. On the suggestion ot Mr. F. Williams, who said, it would be advisable for all members to be familiar with the locations of the board’s endowments, it was decided that each member be supplied with a copy of the engineer’s report.