WHITE PINE SCARCITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23828, 2 December 1940, Page 6

WHITE PINE SCARCITY

INCREASE IN DEMAND HIGHER BUTTER PRODUCTION COMMENT ON REGULATION An increase in the production of butter lias intensified a shortage of white pine timber, from which butter boxes are made, it is stated in the industry. | The information is also given that saw- | mills in the North Island affected by the regulation extending working hours from 40 to 48 a week are engaged in the cutting of other timber besides white pine. There are two small mills cutting white pine in North Auckland and several in the King Country. A representative of a large sawmilling firm in the Waikato, which operates two of the seven mills in the North Island engaged in cutting white pine, stated that this timber represented about 40 per cent of the output of the seven mills. The proposal that an extra eight hours should be worked at time and a-half in order to provide for more butter boxes had been placed before the men in the company's mills. It had the support of the men's union and it was believed the men would adopt it. The millers recognised the refund of 75 per cent of the extra cost by the Government as satisfactory, as the added turnover would absorb the portion of the increased overhead costs for which provision had not otherwise been made. Mr. A. W. Greig, president of the New Zealand Timber Merchants' Association, said it had been hoped in the trade that hours at the mills would have been increased for the cutting of other classes of timber in order to overcome a shortage for building. It was felt in his trade that the former hours of 47 a week should be reverted to, or at the very least there should be a 44-hour week, the extra hours being worked at normal rates of pay. Of course, the industry could work longer hours and pay overtime rates under awards, but that was not an economic proposition.