Chips & Sawdust.

Southern Cross, Volume 10, Issue 19, 9 August 1902, Page 7

Chips & Sawdust.

(By “ Rata.”)

The timber industry in Southland is exceptionally dull, and the same may be said of the trade in the colony generally, but more especially in the South Island. A letter from the Carpenters’ Union, Christchurch, agreed to a letter written by the plasterers to the effect that the building trade in that centre was quieter, and there were more men out of work than there had been for the past fifteen years. * * * Trade generally is much in the same position. Reports from Westport, Christchurch, and Oarnaru state that there are a great many men out of employment. In our own town a great many, whose faces until recently were seldom seen in the street, have now become quite familiar. In conversation with several they state that there is no use of their going to the country, as they have tried and cannot obtain work. * * * It is a strange coincidence that the timber industry throughout the whole of Europe is very dull. According to a recent issue of the Builder, a paper by the consul of Stockholm (Mr A. Stewart McGregor) states “ This year is likely to be long remembered by those who have had anything to do with the timber trade. Daring the first half of the year prices went down steadily, and at the beginning of the shipping season they were 30s below those which were ruling at the end of 1900, and later the prices further declined to the extent of from £1 to £1 10s per standard. As these prices were ruinous to exporters, the only remedy was to reduce the production considerably. With this object in view a meeting was held at Sendsral by some of the chief owners of forests, and a reduction of at least 30 per cent, of the number of trees to be cut down was agreed to.”

The wanton destruction of bush in this colony is at present engrossing the attention of aspirants for political honours at tbe forthcoming election. One, a candidate for Kaiapoi, has set the ball rolling by adopting the following platform : —“ I shall endeavour, by advocating planting on a large scale, and by conservation of the forests, to protect the interests of the timber industry.” * * * Some axemen, who competed at our recent Carnival, have a contract to hew down 800 acres of bush in Taranaki, which they describe as being far superior to any bush in this district. It will take eight men nine months in which to get it down. After which the fire-stick is to be put through it. * * * At the recent conference this matter was brought under the notice of the Government and it is to be hoped that before it is too late this wanton destruction will be stopped and planting in suitable land be generally adopted. A very interesting chop took place at Orepuki the other day in Isin, logs between Chis. Lynch and Ted Cosgrove. Quite a number of people made their way up the bush to witness the event, including Mr Tom Mann, who is touring the colony as a lecturer, and Secretary Paape, who acted as timekeeper. Lynch conceded his opponent 30sec start, and after a real good go won rather easily in Imin 30sec. A rather funny episode took place before the match . Several being anxious to get a good view, scaled the surrounding scrub. One spectator, who was encased in gum boots, got up a small tree to the height of about loft., when D. Perrier, with a well-directed blow with the axe, brought down both tree and man to mother earth. The look and attitude of the victim when he felt the tree falling will not soon be forgotten by the onlookers. * * *

1 I regret to report that an accident of rather a serious nature befell Mr W. Young, who is employed as leading bushman at Tirapany Bros.’ mill at Pahia. The bush was gone over by prospectors many years ago when numerous holes were sunk. These are now covered over with scrub which makes it very dangerous. Into one of these holes Mr Young fell. He was carrying his axe at the time, and it penetrated his leg to a considerable depth. The sufferer was removed to Orepuki where the wonnd was dressed and the excessive bleeding stopped, after which he was conveyed to the Riverton hospital. * * * Owing to the breakdown of the hauling engine at Massey’s mill. Colac, the bush men lost several days’ work last week. # * * The sleeper question is still agitating the minds of a great many bushmen in Southland. Although the Acting-Premier stated that the Government would accept as many sleepers as they could get when Parliament opened, the local department have received instructions not to issue contracts for a further supply, but those cut will be accepted. * * It is with sincere regret that 1 have to record the death of Mrs Alex. Brown, the wife of our genial sawyer, who is employed at Otautau. Only four months ago I reported the wedding in this column. Mr Brown left on Wednesday for Dunedin, where Mrs Brown had gone for a change. All hands will join with me in expressing our sympathy with our bereaved comrade.