BUTTER BOX TIMBER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21193, 16 August 1940, Page 7

BUTTER BOX TIMBER

SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES SUBSTITUTE APPROVED “Due to a shortage in timber supplies it was necessary to close down our box factory several weeks earlier than usual,” said Mr C. J. Parlane, general manager. “However, by increased efforts on the part of the. Forestry Department, who have accepted responsibility for providing the industry with the necessary supplies of white pine timber, substantial quantities are now coming forward from the South Island and this, plus increased supplies from the North Island, is improving our stock position. It is possible, however, that the paucity of supplies of dry timber will cause some difficulty during the early part of the season particularly. “In view of the position that has arisen in regard to white pine we have been authorised to use one million feet of sap rimu timber in the manufacture of butter boxes for shipment during this current season. We have already received about half of this quantity, the quality of which is excellent and, providing that it does not taint the butter in any way, it should make a very satisfactory substitute for white pine. “On account of white pine timber being in short supply the Timber Controller has instructed that all of this timber, including low grades, must be conserved for the manufacture of butter boxes only, which means that increased quantities of insignis pine and possibly other classes of timber will have to be used in the manufacture of cheese crates and milk powder and evaporated milk cases. However, arrangements have now been made which we hope will ensure sufficient supplies of these timbers being available at least for the current season,”