TIMBER SUPPLIES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 September 1924, Page 8

TIMBER SUPPLIES

/ WESTLAND’S PROMINENCE

MAIN TRUNK AT ZENITH

WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. A survey and a forecast of New. Zealand’s timber output is included in the annual report of the Director of State Forests, who expresses the opinion that the King Country, as our principal timber producing region, has; reached its zenith, and, although the: development qf the great Tongarirq: blocks will ensure the maintenance of the dominant producing position of this: region for a decade, nevertheless the; territory must soon give way to Westland with its unbroken virgin resources of pine and beech. Exhaustion of the white pine resources of the Main Trunk forests is driving millers far afield, whilst steadily increasing logging and manufacturing costs are inducingmore efficient operations and machinery.

During the year in this region sixteen mills were cut out, and twelve new mills were built, or were in course of construction. With the impending decline of the King Country as a producer of sawn timber, the MamakuRotorua region has become a not unimportant producing centre. New milling facilities to the extent of 75,000 superficial feet per diem were built or building during the year, and the total number of’ mills now opening in the region is twenty-two, with a production capacity of 52,000,000 superficial feet.- A relatively rapid increase in- . milling in this region has resulted in quite a :scramble to secure timber stumpage, with the result that royalties and values have depreciated sharply. The Rotorua region, however, can never become a- permanent source of . timber supply owing ts> the rather restricted area, of standing timber, and .to the need for conserving immature ; growing forest capital on the State, 'forests therein. The Westland province has come prominently forward during the year as the second most important milling region in New Zealand. Its output of nearly 65,000,000 .superficial feet constitutes a record (the nearest approach to this output occurring in 1913, when the cut was 62,000,000 superficial feet). Westland will soon assume the lead as the largest timber producing centre serving all the markets of the Dominion. The opening of the Otira tunnel or course, is responsible in a lar<re measure for the greatly improved position m Westland since its openino- To the close of the year 17,682,000 superficial feet were railed through to Canterbury Within three years Weetland will probably be producing 100 000;000. superficial feet of saw. 7 wood goods per annum.