MATERIAL INCREASE IN SOFTWOOD TIMBER FORECAST IN N.Z.

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 May 1948, Page 4

MATERIAL INCREASE IN SOFTWOOD TIMBER FORECAST IN N.Z.

(P.A.) Wellington, May 6. A material increase in the production of timber, particularly softwoods, for at least the next ten years, is forecast by the Commissioner of State Forests (Mr. Skinner). The Minister slated that the assessent of probable world timber production over the next 10 to 15 years had been perhaps the most important purpose of the recent visit overseas by the Director of Forestry (Mr. A. R. Entrican). As a result the Government felt it was justified in materially increasing production in view of the substantial demand, particularly for softwood timbers, for at least the next decade. He conceded the possibility of some recessions in trade during that period, but said there would be, generally speaking, a sellers’ market for softwood. The Government had realised that the maximum utilisation of our exotic forests was necessary in the interests of national economy, but felt that it could not proceed with the enormous development involved, without investigating the world timber forward supply position. Mr. Entrican s investigations had satisfied the Government that, in view of reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in devastated Europe and accumulated arrears of repairs, maintenance and new capital construction in the shape of public buildings, factories and houses, there would be a substantial shortage of softwood timber for anything up to 15 years. The true extent of the timber shortage would not be apparent until the prevailing currency and manpower difficulties were overcome, sai Mr. Skinner, out wniie some easing of timber prices would occur, as in fact had already developed on the west coast of North America. Nevertheless a hardening in prices could be anticipated as the result of an increased demand. The Government felt justified in materially increasing production to meet not only the demand resulting from increasing immigration, but also the much more increased demand which must similarly develop from Australia. It was for that reason that a substantial number of Swedish log frames, like those already operating at the mills of the State Fores- Service had recently been purchsed.