Chips & Sawdust.

Southern Cross, Volume 10, Issue 22, 30 August 1902, Page 12

Chips & Sawdust.

(By “ Rata.")

GORGE ROAD

This mill, situated about eighteen miles from Invercargill on the Seaward Bush line, has only been recently built, and is the finest in Southland. It is a very large mill, consisting of three benches—breaking down, running off, and breast bench, all on the very latest principle. The engines are stationary double cylinder, and between 40 and 60 horse power. The sawdust is taken away in a box truck with an endless rope attached to the machinery, and on the same principle as the breaking down and running off benches. The mill is encased in a galvanised iron building, and the chimney stack is about 70 feet high and of brick. The manager, Mr W. Buchanan, is one of the best in Southland, and has had a great and varied experience. Besides thoroughly understanding his work, he is very popular and a great favourite with his men. Mr J. Buchanan is the breast bench sawyer, C. Cot bin being the tailer-out. G. Duthie and Jack Skipworth are on the breaking down bench. Mr G. Stewart is the engine-driver, and a very popular one, coupled with the fact that he is thoroughly up to his work. M. McCallum is the trolly man ; in the mill there are also D. Swain and Alf. Hammil. Mr J. Johns has charge of the yard, and is well qualified for the work ; H. Dillon is his assistant. In the bush Bob Buchanan has charge of the hauler, and the shoetnen are Sam Gordon of Woodend, and Bill Bonney, D. O’Connor, of the popular brothers of that name, D. Stewart, and J. Ryan are in the bush. IT. Sellars and N. Holtz are on the tram. The mill belongs to Massey and Co., and will, as soon as the industry brightens, employ a goodly number of men. 1 must not forget to say that the workers’ huts are a credit to the firm. They are ideal little cottages; lined, and with brick chimneys. It would be well for other mill owners to take a leaf out of the company’s book as regards accommodation for tbe workers. * * * Mr J. P. O’Connor, who met with an accident at the Gorge some months ago and went to his home in Victoria, is progressing favourably. He intends to return to Southland early next month. * * J am pleased to be able to say that Mr Oliver Ackers, who met with an accident in December last, and who has been in the hospital for some time, is out and about again. In consequence of the injury, due to a severe strain in the bush, Mr Ackers has still to use a crutch, and has iron attached to his boot to keep the leg in position. It will be some time before he is able to work again, and I would suggest that the Union take into consideration at the quarterly meeting the question of rendering their member and fellow-worker some little assistance. He at all times has been ever ready and among the first when able to assist others in need of help. ■ * * * The name ‘ Wooden Russia ’ is familiarly applied to the vast forest areas of Russia in Europe, which cover 464,648,000 acres, or 36 per cent, of the entire area of the country. Yet some fear is felt that tbe country de crested through the carelessness of private owners, and tbe Government is considering steps for the protection of the forests. In Russia houses built of any other material than wood are almost unknown outside the cities, and wood constitutes the principal fuel. * * * John Phillips, of Colac, is employed at Timpany’s, having started a few days ago, Tbe firm are getting in another engine of greater horse power, which will mean more men. * # * I regret to report that one of our bushmen, who met with an accident

some few weeks ago, and who had just recovered and was about to return to work, received a note from tbe firm stating that he not required. The man in question was very much hurt at this treatment, and could not get any reason for it, which, to say the least, is manifestly unfair, apart from any question of courtesy. * * * Some time ago 1 hinted that one of the popular millers on the Longwood was clearing a section, and that I noticed some fine birch boards on the punt which were to be returned in furniture. My prediction that a wedding was about to take place was correct, and the notice has already appeared, Mr T. Traill being the interested party. He is very popular and a fine fellow, and all will wish him every success when the happy event takes place. # & The locomotive built by Messrs Johnston and Sons for More Bros., Riverton, is doing good work on the wooden rails at the Pourakino mill, and covers the six miles of tram 5 x 4’s in fine style. Charley Bradley has charge of the engine. * =* * It is with regret I learn from the Western Star that J. More, our champion chopper, is laid up at bis house in Riverton with congestion of the lungs. Many will regret to hear this, and will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery. # * * Messrs Bradley and Pope, who have been in the employ of Messrs Traill and Smythiesjhave secured a sawmill site at Otautau, and ihtend erecting a mill thereon.

The Southland Timber 00. have also taken up an. area in the same locality next Messrs Harrington Bros., who have been working there for the last year or more. * * * Oraki is once more to have a mill in its vicinity, Messrs A. Perry & Co. having taken up the available bush. * * * The balanae-sheet of the Axemen’s Carnival is to be presented at a meeting to be held this evening.