SOUTHLAND BEECH TIMBER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 3

SOUTHLAND BEECH TIMBER.

TESTS AS TO STRENGTH. (From Odr Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, June 8. Striking evidence regarding the strength of Soutnland beech (generally known as birch) has been obtained as the result ol thorough tests made in Melbourne. Messrs A. ana D. IVPPherson, timber merchants, of Invercargill, who conduct a considerable export trade to Victoria, arranged with their Melbourne representative to have these tests made, and they were carried out at the Engineering Souool of the Melbourne University by .Professor Payne. They show the respective “breaking loads” of New Zealand beech (birch), Victorian yellovy stringy bark, Tasmanian bluegum, and Victorian mountain gum. Tho comparison is as follows: Pounds per square inch. Southland beech 18,755 Victorian yellow stringy bark ... 16,650 Tasmanian bluegum 14,500 Victorian mountain gum 13,880 The following tables show a comparison of tho loads required to break the four species of timber of the dimensions given: Span, 24in; breadth, 2in ; depth, 2in : Pounds. Southland beech 4,170 Victorian yellow stringy bark ... 3,700 Tasmanian bluegum 5,222 Victorian mountain gum 3,084 Span, 36in; breadth, 3in; depth, Sin:— Pounds. Southland beech 9,377 Victorian yellow stringy bark 8,325 Tasmanian bluegum 7,250 Victorian mountain gum 6,940 Span, 48iu; breadth, 4in; depth, 4-in: — Pounds. Southland beech 16,671 Victorian yellow stringy bark ... 14,800 Tasmanian bluegum 12,900 Victorian mountain gum 12,340 In the manufacture' of military wagons, harvester machinery, and other structures in which strength is the important desideratum, it is evident that Southland beech holds a pre-eminent position, and knowledge of this fact should result in a greatly increased demand. The demonstration came as a surprise to some of those engaged in the timber business in Victoria, as it was belie cod that tho Victorian and Tasmanian timbers named were of greater strength.