TIMBER OUTPUT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 226, 22 August 1935, Page 2

TIMBER OUTPUT.

NOTABLE IMPROVEMENT. WELLINGTON, Aug. 20. Although timber production in New Zealand must increase considerably before it returns to a level comparable with the peak year of 1925-26, the past year has shown a notable improvement in production. The estimated output for the year ended March 31, 1935, is 250 million feet, which is greatly in advance of any year since 1929-30. It is remarked in the ISth annual report of the Dominion Federated Sawmillers’ Association, presented at the annual meeting in Christchurch to-day, that the figures of the production of sawn timber in the Dominion provide a clear index of the activity of the sawmilling industry. The highest volume of production immediately before the depression was reached in 1929-30 (to end of March) with 282 million feet, followed by a quick decline to 154 million in 193132. Though the two subsequent years registered a slow improvement, the past year has been better, for though the actual output figures are not yet available from the Government Statistician the quantities can be fairly accurately estimated from the monthly railway timber loadings, and these disclose the approximate total output for the past year as being 250 million feet against the previous year’s figure of 198 million.

This shows an improvement of 26 per cent., and a gain of 62 per cent, over the very low figure of 1931-32. The output in 1925-26 was 353 million feet.

“The improved output figures of last year are reflex of an improved demand which was greatly influenced by the action of the Unemployment Board in reviving the building subsidy scheme and by a growing public recognition that there exists in practically all centres of the Dominion a very genuine house shortage. Financial interests also are beginning to realise that house building offers probably one of the most attractive forms of investment at present available. The general result has been throughout the past year a steadily improving demand for timber, though this demand has been somewhat unbalanced with undue demand for the higher qualities. The problem of finding adequate outlets tor the rougher portions of the log is therefore a matter of considerable importance and the increased trade with Australia in only clean grades of rimu and matai has accentuated the position. “It is pleasing to report that throughout the year there has been evident a genuine desire on the part of most architects to foster employment within the Dominion by specifying New Zealand timbers for practically all requirements,” the report adds.