BUTTER-BOX MATERIAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3842, 4 December 1936, Page 7

BUTTER-BOX MATERIAL

WESTLAND FOREST RESOURCES. DEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE. Future supplies of New Zealand white pine for the making ol! export butter boxes involve an economic problem for the Government as purchaser of dairy produce on a guaranteed price basis as well as for the dairying industry. It is stated officially that there is no immediate difficulty; in fact, arrangements are being made by the Government for supplying the North Island requirements, totalling 10,000,000 feet board measurement, for the 1937-1938 season. The Minister of Lands, Hon. F. Langstone, as Commissioner of State Forests, discussed this question after a preliminary Ministerial and departmental conference in Parliament Buildings. The conference was attended by administrative representatives of the Lands, Forestry, Railways, Public Works, and Marine Departments. ' ECONOMIC SUPPLIES. “ The question of the future economic working of our white pine forest reserves and areas in the interests of the dairying industry is receiving the serious consideration of the Government,” said Mr Langstone. “ Our main supply is in the South Westland district, but the question of transport presents a difficulty which must be overcome. With that end in view, a conference of the various departments concerned was opened this afternoon to consider a comprehensive scheme which will meet the position. Supplies for the North Island butterbox requirements next season approximately 10,000,000 feet board measurement—are being arranged. It is imperative, however, in order to meet the needs of the dairying industry, to adopt a long-range plan for a continuity of supplies. “In the South Westland area between 'Lake lolanthe and Okarito there is some 1,500,000,000 feet of timber,” continued the Minister. “ Of that total, there is about 250,000,000 feet_of white pine. The time has come for a proper plan to be used, not only for the better working of our forests, but for the regeneration of native forest areas. This must be done if we want a continuous economic supply of commercial timber.” FOREST LABOUR IMPROVES.

The Minister also discussed the outstanding improvement in forestry labour since the advent of the new industrial legislation. “As Commissioner of State Forests I recently visited the forest areas in the Rotorua and Thames districts,” said Mr Langstone. “ There the State is working on a large scale. Since wages have been increased and conditions impproved there has been a big improvement in the men and their work. We are getting more work done and better results at less cost than was formerly done under the old relief system. The forest men are paid 15s a day, and the Forestry Department supplies the cook. All the camps are in first-class condition, and there is no trouble at all. The men are more contented, and go about their work willingly and with a keen interest and sense of responsibiilty. There is no smoking on the job in the forest; indeed, the men will not carry matches. The Department’s officers are very well pleased with the attitude of the men and the results of their work. As Commissioner I am very satisfied with the results so far.”