THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21952, 13 May 1933, Page 5

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

INCREASE OF EXPORTS A FAVOURABLE BALANCE. Figured showing the position of New Zealand’s timber trade for the first quarter of the present year have been announced by the Commissioner of State Forests (Mr E. A- Ransom). The Minister stated that for the first quarter of 1933 the foreign and domestic timber trade conditions were similar to those for the same period of last year. Imports and exports were both slightly higher than for 1932, but whereas imports amounted to only a small fraction (18 per cent.) of the 1928-80 threemonthly average, exports amounted to 86 per cent, of the 1928-30 three-monthly average. The favourable trade balance of over 8,000,000 feet,ban. was'the same as for 1932, as against an average adverse balance of over 5,000,000 feet b.m. during 1928-30. Dealing with timber imports for the period under review, Mr .Ransom said individual items showed only slight differences during the first quarters of 1933 and 1932, and comments made in comparing the 1932 period with preceding periods might equally well be applied in this case. The largest item, “ Australian hardwoods in the form of sawn timber, logs, poles, or sleepers, etc.," wa* only 14 per cent, of the average figure* for 1928-30, CONSTRUCTIONAL WORK Douglas; fir, redwood, and cedar, which were used for general constructional work, weather boarding, and joinery, showed even greater proportional reductions over the 1928-30 period than the first item. The small quantity of cedar imported during the current year originated in Russia, and the western red cedar from North America, which wa* formerly heavily imported, had disafpeared entirely from the market, “Buftte? box shook* have been imported in greater quantities this year than last year, and show the smallest proportional decrease on former years’ figures,” said the Minister. “ These amount to 429,000 board feet this year, as compared with 862,000 board feet last year, with 665,000 board feet during 1928-80, and with 765,000 board feet during 1981. The heavy exports of dairy produce during the present season probably necessitated the import of shook* to supplement the local supply. No cheese crates have been Imported this year, whereas the figures for 1932, 1931, and the average 1928-30 periods were respectively 160,000 board feet, 306,000 board feet, and 240,000 board feet. The unfavourable exchange conditions ruling between Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand are probably the cause of the decrease in importation of cheese crates. “ Oak maintains a more stable trade than most other timber import items in view of the apparent absence of competing native timbers for particularly favoured styles of furniture. SATISFACTORY POSITION.

“ Export figures disclose a, fairly satis* factory position in that they show m slight increase from the figures for the same period of 1932 and amount to 83 per cent, of the, average 1928-80 period exports, Kahikatea (New Zealand whits pine) retains its popularity in the An** tralian dairying Industry, and maintains a steady trade. A pleasing feature d this year's exports is the increased export of rimu, indicating a brighter posh* tion in building and allied trades in Australia. The other native timber used ia general building, viz., kauri, finds a more restricted use as a result of its higher price; only small increases may be anticipated in its exports. “Beech shows an increase over the same periods of 1932. and 1931, but is not expected to reach the average, of the 1928-30 periods immediately, depending as it does upon motor-body building and other secondary industries in Australia, The opening of a market for this species in Great Britain, from whom orders of over 500,000 ft b.m. have already been received in recent months, will Serve to make beech regain its importance in New Zealand’s export timber trade, The remaining exports are mainly insignis pine fruit case shooks for the Islands’ fruit trade.”