Minister Forecasts Big Lift In Timber Output

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1948, Page 2

Minister Forecasts Big Lift In Timber Output

WELLINGTON, Fri. (P.A.). —A material increase in the production of timber, particularly softwoods, for at least the next 10 years is forecast by the Commissioner of State Forests (Mr Skinner).

The Minister stated that an assessment of the probable world timber production over the next 10 to 15 years had been perhaps the most important purpose of the recent visit overseas by the Director of Forestry (Mr A. R. Entrican). As a result, ti’pe Government felt it was justified in materially increasing production in view of the substantial demand, particularly for softwood timbers. for at least the next decade. He conceded the possibility of some recessions in trade during that period, but said there would be. generally speaking, a seller’s market for softwoods. The Government had realised that the maximum utilisation of exotic forests was necessary in the interests of national economy, but felt that it could not proceed with the enormous developments involved without investigating the world timber forward supply position. - "4

The true extent of the timber shortage would not be apparent until the prevailing currency and manpower difficulties were overcome, said Mr Skinner. While somg'easing of timber prices would occur, as in fact had already developed on the West Coast of North America, nevertheless a hardening in prices could be expected as a result of the increased demand as soon as the solution of currency and manpower problems allowed the full extent of the accumulated shortages to develop. The Government felt justified in materially increasing production to meet not only the demand resulting from increasing immigration, but also the greatly-increased demand which must similarly develop from Australia.

It was for that reason that a' substantial number of Swedish log frames like those already operating at the mill of the State Forest Service, had recently been purchased.