WASTE OF TIMBER

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1937, Page 3

WASTE OF TIMBER

SUGGESTED REMEDY. [To the Editor]. Sir, —The position with the timbermiller to-day is that the demand for clean rimu is far greater than the supply. With 0.8. timber, the supply is far greater than the demand. As there is little or no sale for 3xl (a line that cannot be avoided if the timber is to be cut out properly), this size is not being cut, and is going into the slab heap by the hundreds of thousands of feet every year. In prosperous times, like the present, if this matter were manged right by those who control it, there would be no waste and no lack of sal? for any line of building timber. For instance, if it were made compulsory to use 3xl for flooring for bath-rooms, wash-houses, kitchens, and all outhouses. and for lining for such rooms as the bath-rooms, etc., the unavoidable 3xl would come into demand immediately, and the huge waste that is taking place in this direction would be prevented. Therefore, as it must be admitted that 3xl flooring and lining serves these purposes just as well as 4xl, it should be made compulsory to use it for those purposes. The same argument applies to the 0.8. grade. The reason why 0.8. is in excess of demand is because there is no fixed place in the houses that are being built for the use of the| dressing quality grade, and consequently, as this grade cannot go in with the clean, it is compelled to go in with the 0.8. There is definitely a place for the use of the dressing quality rimu in every house that is being built, and it should be made compulsory to use it for that particular purpose. For instance. 90 per cent, of the average floor in the average house is covered with linos and carpets, and 100 per cent, clean timber is used for the floor. Why should clean timber be used for this purpose which it does not serve one per cent, better than a dressing quality timber? Dressing quality weather boards should ?tlso be used on the back wall of a house, as the small round knots, when dressed and painted, are completely hidden. The use of 0.8. rough lining should also be encouraged more than it is. which would assist, in the use of this line. Rough lining well dried, thicknessed and covered with good scrim and paper is unexcelled in appearance. Those who have observed it have found it to be the only perfect sound board lor the radio and piano. The Government is the responsible body to deal with this matter, and could remedy the trouble and loss involved within twenty-four hours if it gave it the necessary attention. It is not a question to consult the architect about; it is a matter of commonsense that speaks for itself. I am., etc.. , J. HIGGINS, - Hokitika, Dec. 9.