MILLING TIMBER.

Northern Advocate, 19 July 1919, Page 2

MILLING TIMBER.

That local millers are giving attention to pinus insignis and other tisnbev is significant of the enhanced value of timber generally, and of the discovery that wood until now little used, can very profitably be utilised:. That pinus insignis grows quickly I? distinctly in its favour. A log re cently milled had a diameter of 44 inches and was only 30 years old. The timber is excellent for temporar y purposes, and the Public Works Department has placed a large order for such timber finding it excellent for temporary uses. And even for ordinary building purposes - such as stud-work, and rough lining, it cellent. For weather boards fdso far more serviceable thai! has been generally supposed; and if wejl painted and kept from the ground it cannot be regarded as a timber to be despised.

Taraire is also a splendid timber for fittings and furniture, and ats value is being rapidly recognised now that its bad name for susceptibility to * '

the worm is being proved far less serious than was supposed. If the* logs are carefully selected, and as definitely and wisely treated when cut into planks and boards, there is little doubt of its rapidly increasing favour. Already our local furniture manufacturers are utilising triia richly-grained wood which is capable of a high polish, or treatment according to the present fashion of oilin? and a duller shine. Effective by either method of finish it is destined to occupy a more honoured place among indigenous trees. In this direction, and in others, the country will some day fully awake to the folly of more or less ruthless destruction \ of beautiful and valuable bush tht»t nature has entrusted to our wisdom or folly.

A double policy should be adopted generally—that of conservation and most effectve utilisation of existing forests, and an enthusiastic planting of fresh areas. The Government Forestry Department have done good work and have, in the various plantations scattered all over the country, millions of trees rapidly reaching maturity and profit. Thinnings have yielded a certain amount of profit, but it is probable that the country will, in a few years, get a pleasant surprise by the handsome return. Th* objection that is most frequent 1 * urged by farmers against an,extensive tree-planting is that the return is so remote. Undoubtedly that is a great deterrent of utilising large areas, especitlly as it locks up capital for a long period without return, dnd detracts from the area under pasture or cultivation. That the Government recognises these disabilities is evident by the action of the State forest Bra-nch in issuing young trees for plantation purposes at practically cost price. The well known pinus insignus, also known as pinus radiata, is offered at 25s a thousand. Cupressus Macrocarpa is quoted at 30s per thousand, and various Australian gums from 25s to 45s per thousand. The Whakarewarewa Nurseryman, under the control of the State Forests Branch of the Lands and Survey Department is the officer to whohy applications should be directed. Considering the above favourable terms, the certain inevitable economic gain, and the slight cost in fencing off and planting a few acres, it is to be hoped that this season will be utilised to the umost. Indirectly, the plants* tions arranged would fittingly menx oralise this year of peace with its magnificant suggestiveness of the uiitiation of a new era of progress.