THE BURMA ROAD

Patea Mail, 9 May 1941, Page 2

THE BURMA ROAD

QUICKLY REPAIRED

Manager a teak forest in Upper Burma leased by his firm from the Government, Mr. M. R. Barlow returned to Auckland recently after a short fishing holiday at Taupo. This is the first furlough he has spent in New Zealand, and ho has been most favourably impressed. Speaking of the Burma Road, Mr. Barlow said he understood it was continuing in full use, and, although it might be damaged by the Japanese from lime to time, the Chinese had vast stores of labour that were able to repair it very quickly. The teak on his estates, which was transported by elephants, was principally used in battleships, and in of all ships’ decks, so This industry had an important bearing on the war effort. Burma also contributed oil and rubber in large quantities. His firm had recently established as.a new venture a tea plantation in the Shan State, and it gave promise of being quite successful. Although there was a party in Burma that sought independence, it was not creating any difficulties for the Government at the present time. Mr, Barlow said he had come here for good fishing, good food and a good holiday, and he had had all three.. He had enjoyed excellent sport at Taupo, and did not consider that its attractions had been at all overrated. He has three months’ furlough still to run, and is proceeding to Sydney.