THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9847, 14 September 1903, Page 2

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTED. The present sittings of the Supreme Court have been materially shortened by r,he withdrawal of six cases m reference to Native lands which were to have been set down for hearing, an amicable arrangement having been come to. The cases were instituted by the Native owners of certain property m the Waihora valley against Mr William Cooper, and the iirrangenient made is, we understand, that the deeds m question are ? to be confirmed ; but among other things the rights to the timber upon the land remain with the Natives and their agents, who propose to immediately utilise them. We understand that upon Mr Cooper's side of the river there are estimated to ■ be 25 million feet of milling timber and from 30 to 40 million cords of firewood. On the other side of the river there are said to be 50' million feet of milling timber and 100,000 cords of firewood — the whole representing an immense cash value. The timber consists mostly of white pine, with rimu, matai, and ta.wa. It is situate at its rearest point within one mile of the Te Karakn railway terminus, and at its furthest point within four miles. Enquiries are now being made as to the purchase of milling machinery, and it is hoped to have two mills m operation before Christmas. In addition to supplying the local and New Zealand markets, it is intended to - ; ship baulk timber to Sydney, wlvere tlie New Zealand white pine is m great demand. The establishment of the timber industry on a large scnle is a matter that should materially aid the prosperity of the district. It is also likely to. provide a good revenue for our localrailway.