Kaitaia Timber Coy's New Mill is All Electric

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1948, Page 8

Kaitaia Timber Coy's New Mill is All Electric

KAITAIA, Fri. (Sp.).—ln the 15 months since the Kaitaia Timber Company’s old saw-mill was destroyed by fire in February last year, its new all-electric plant has been established as a self-contained unit. . Almost the whole of its output is absorbed in the Kaitaia district, and the re-establishment has proved of incalculable benefit in meeting an ever-growing demand.

results are seen In the large number of new homes, both slate and priv-ately-owned. which have been completed in the area in recent months. The mill was recently completed with the installation of the planing machine, which was reconstructed after being severely damaged in last year’s fire.

It has an output of up to 40.000 super ft. monthly, including all types oi dressed timber. Present output for the mill is about 8000 ft daily. The mill has a good stock of logs from Pukepoto State Forest block on hand so that work can continue throughout the winter. The twin six-foot circular breaking down saws especially imported from Great Britain are on hand and will be installed soon to handle large logs. Mr A. G. Beatson. the company's mill manager, has been appointed genC. Wendell Foster. eral manager filling the vacancy caused by the death last week of Mr

Under present-day conditions this unit was virtually irreplaceable. Kaitaia workmanship has completely rebuilt the machine and converted it to electric-power drive. Each of its four cutting heads is powered by a separate motor, and two other small motors are also used.