THE TIMBER INDUSTRY OF NEW ZEALAND (EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS ON, TOGETHER WITH TABLES, VIEWS, AND MAPS). [Prepared by direction of the Honourable the Minister of Lands.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1905 Session I, C-06

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1905. NEW ZEALAND.

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY OF NEW ZEALAND (EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS ON, TOGETHER WITH TABLES, VIEWS, AND MAPS). [Prepared by direction of the Honourable the Minister of Lands.]

Laid before both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

CONTENTS. PREFACE. Containing summaries of the total estimated amount of milling-timber on Crown, private, and Nttive lands Page, in the colony, together with summary of sawmills, and annual output, &c .. .. ..2,3 REPORTS AND SCHEDULES. Auckland Land District: Particulars of mills and industry .. .. .. P, Hawke's Bay „ „ ............. 0 Taranaki „ „ ' .. .. .. . . 10 Wellington „ „ .. .. •.. .. .. ..14 Marlborough „ ~ .. .. .. .... 20 Nelson „ „ .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 Westland „ „ . . .. .. .. .. .. 32 Canterbury „ „ .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 Otago „ . . .. . . .. .. .. .. 36 Southland „ . .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 LIST OF PROCESS ILLUSTRATIONS. No. Subject. T °<»f> page 1 Kauri in Kaihu Valley, Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 2 Showing the cross-cutting of kauri-trees, Auokland .. .. .. .. 2 3 Bringing logs by tram to put into creek and float to sea .. .. ... 4 4 Sledge known as " catamaran," drawn by bullocks along sk d* .. .. .. .. 4 5 Rimu and totara bush workings near Poro-o-terau, Auckland .. .. .. .. . G 6 Hauling rimu and totara out of forest to Ellis and Burnand's mill, Aucklan i.. .. .. 6 7 View of main booms, Wharekawa, Auckland .. .. .. 8 8 View of main booms, Wharekawa, Auckland, showing logs .. .. .. .. .. 8 9 Face of dam, Wharekawa, Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 10 " Tripping" the dam, Wharekawa River, Auokland .. .. .. .. .. 10 11 Rafting logs from main booms to store, Wharekawa .. .. .. .. .. 12 12 S.s. " Stella" with raft in tow .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 13 Kauri Timber Company's mill at Whangaroa, Auokland .. .. .. .. .. 14 14 Ellis and Burnand's rimu-mill, near Poro-o-terau, Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 14 15 Aoroa Kauri Timber-mill, Northern Wairoa, Auckland .. .. .. .. 16 16 Aoroa wharf and shipping, Northern Wairoa, Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 16 17 Leyland-O'Brien Timber Company's sawmill yards, Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 18 18 Kauri Timber Company's sawmill, Auckland .. .. .. . . .. .. 18 19 Bush-felling at Tahoraite, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 20 Gammon and Co.'s Otanga mill and yards, near Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay .. .. 20 21 Hauling logs by Luxford's patent, at Ngapaeruru Bush, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 22 22 Messrs. Irvine's log-hauling apparatus, Tamaki Bush, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 22 23 Hauling logs across Manawatu River, Totara sawmill, Oringi, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 24 24 Log-hauling (Luxford's patent) at Totara sawmill, Oringi Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 24 25 The Dannevirke Sawmill Company's Tamaki mill (W. T. Irvine), Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 26 26 Tiratu Sawmill Company's No. 2 mill (B. L. Knight), Tiratu, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 26 27 Messrs. Gamman and Co.'s Otanga sawmill and yard, Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay .. .. 28 28 Rimu log, Poverty Bay .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 29 " Jacking" logs to the sledges, Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 30 Sledging logs out to horse-tram line, Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 32 31 Centre-rail brake working on alin 7 grade on Ellis and Burnand's tramway at Mangapeehi, Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 32 Hauling logs to the sawmill, Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36 33 Squaring sleepers, Pohangina District, Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 34 In Mr. E. Lockington's Bush, Reefton District, Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 40 35 Bullock team en route for Owaka Railway-station, Otago .. .. .. .. .. 42 36 Latta Bros.'sawmill at Katea, Otago .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 MAPS. A £°l North Island : Showing position of sawmills in same .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 South Island : , ~ ~ .. .. ~ .. ..42 T—C. 6.

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PBBFAOB. The information contained in these pages has been compiled with a view to giving in a concise form the present state of the timber industry, which is of so much importance to the well-being of the community. From thefollowing schedules of the estimated quantity of milling timber it will be seen that on Crown lands last year there was supposed to be some 20,000,000,000 superficial feet of all classes of timber, though attention was drawn to the fact that included in the estimates are considerable areas not thickly wooded. On the other hand large quantities of timber, comprised in varieties of trees which are not now generally used for milling purposes, have been omitted from the returns : —

Schedule showing the approximate quantity of Milling Timber on Crown Lands.

* Return for Native lands only. t Details not available. } Pines. § Yellow and silver pine. || Silver pine and birch. IT Mostly Kahikatea and birch.

Adding these estimates, the gross amount of milling-timber for the whole colony, after allowing for the quantities not ascertained in Hawke's Bay and Otago, would appear to be about 43,000,000,000 superficial feet ; and judging from the output for twelve months enumerated in the detailed schedules accompanying the reports, of 413,289,742 superficial feet, there seems to be sufficient supply for a hundred years if all the timber could be utilised. As, however, a large proportion is at present unavailable, owing to difficulty of access and not being in sufficiently large quantities to render its cutting remunerative, and every year sees the destruction of bush all over the country through fires and clearing operations, whilst the output will probably increase, the supply on hand may be reckoned to last seventy years at the most. To counterbalance in some measure the destruction of our indigenous forests, about 25,000,000 trees of different varieties have already been raised and planted out in the eighteen State nurseries and plantations that have been started since 1896, and now comprise an area of 4,058 acres. Last year the addition was nearly 7,000,000 trees ; and if this annual increment is maintained or increased our timber supplies will in another twenty years, or perhaps a little later, be considerably augmented by the gradual maturity of the trees raised under the direction of the Government, and so the coining loss of the present native forests may not be so keenly felt as would have been the case if steps had not been taken to meet the difficulty. The accompanying reports contain particulars of every sawmill in New Zealand, and the views illustrating them show in an interesting manner how the sawmillers work the forests and cut out all marketable timber. The following summary gives the principal details of the mills :—•

District. Kauri. Rimu. Kahikatea. Totara. Matai. Birches. Miscellaneous. Total. Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Sup. ft. uckland ..447,880,0001 954,320,000 159,490,000 163,780,000 tawke's Bay .. .. 603,000,000 226,000,000 62,000,000 araoaki .. .. I 1,131,451,200 285,720,000 5,714,000 Wellington .. .. 1,940,854,550 514,894,700 104,657,700 rarlborough .. .. 91,216,000 46,037,000 2,270,000 relson .. .. 1,394,666,000 147,000,000 Westlatid .. .. 3,747,800,000 327,000,000 51,000.000 anterbury .. .. 500,000 2,500,000 1,500,000 itago .. .. 457,175,000 13,399,000 6,251,000 outhland .. .. 179,000,000 31,500,000 8,970,000 447,880,00010,559,982,7501,753,540,700466,142,700 Sup. ft. 447,880,0001 Sup. ft. 163,780,000 62,000,000 5,714,000 164,657,700 2,270,000 Sup ft. 98,524,000 144,000,000j •5,714,400j 913,358,600 12,374,000 Sup. ft. Sup. it. ♦30,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,853;994,000 1,097,000,000 1,428,599,600 4,534,460,800 151,897,000 5,802,102,000 4,447,800,000 70,500,000 900,493,000 421,470,000 Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taraoaki Wellington Marlborough .. Nelson Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 2,000,000 I I t1,000,695,250 4,260,436,000 +294,000,000 15,500,000 §294,318,000 1190,000,000 51,000.000 1,500,000 6,251,000 8,970,000 28,000,000 1,500,000 72,905,000 12,000,000 49,000,000 56,445,000 100,000,000 447,880,000 466,142,700 4,467,881,000 1,724,513,250 20,708,316,400 1,288,376,000 * Miro, tanikaha, maire, mangaio, and tawera. t Miro, kaikawaka, maire, hii lan, &c. I Silve: r and black pine. . S Miro. II Miro and kamahi. Corresponding figures for milling timber on privi more difficult to arrive at, but the following may be ite and Nal regarded a: jive lands we: 3 a very rou :re, of course, much igh estimate of the same:— Schedule showing Approximate Quantities of Millinc Timbeb 01 ■i Pbivate a: .nd Native Lands, 1904, District. Kauri. Itimu. Kahikatea. Totara. Matai. Birches. I Miscellaneous. [ Total. A u okland Hawke's Bay * Taranaki Wellington Marlborough ., Nelson Westland Canterburyf .. Otagof Southland Sup. ('. Sup. ft. 664,139,000 3,033,230,000 769,000,000 ! 3,455,532,000 : 2,851,100,500 Sup. ft. 772,050,000 262,000,000 881,201,300 769,633,900 Sup. ft. 179,340,000 72,000,000 16,033,350 234,592,000 2,500,000 42,280,000 134,000,000 Sup. ft. 826,300,000 167,000,000 16,033,350 1,255,259,500 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. 136,000,000 Sup. ft. 5,611,059,000 1,270,000,000 4,368,800,000 6,090,399,400 66,500,000 1,142,000,000 2,328,500,000 1112,000,000 549,800,0001 ! 1,059,000,000 84,600,000 686,000,000 126,880,000 119,000,000 32,000,000 . 148,120,000 979,813,500 J32,000,000 §190,320,000 11330,500,000 56,500,000 38,000,000 2,500,000 683,245,350! 4,000,000 25,000,000 126,000,000 664,139,00011,774,162,500 3,493,485,200 12,514,472,850 205,120,000 1,668,633,500 21,015,258,400

Showing the Cross-cutting of Kauri-trees, Auckland No. 2.]

Bringing Kauri Logs bt Tram-road to put into a Driving Creek and Float to the Sea, Auckland. No. 3.]

No. I.] Kauri in Kaihu Vallet. Auckland.

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SUMMARY OF THE SAWMILLS OF NEW ZEALAND.

From the maps at the end of the report the exact position of the above mills may be seen.

Particulars for the various Land Districts are as follows :—

AUCKLAND. Notwithstanding that a considerable number of circulars and forms were forwarded to all the known mill-owners and repeated applications made requesting the necessary information, many have failed to comply; but from the number of returns received a fair average may be arrived at. The number of mills in operation within the Auckland Land District, as far as can be ascertained, is forty-nine, employing 2,138 hands. This is exclusive of the men employed in the various forests. In addition to the foregoing a large number of men are engaged in the various sash, door, and moulding factories, in which joinery of all kinds is prepared for local and export trade. Also an important industry is the manufacture of enamelled and other butter-boxes, mostly for shipment to Australia, besides gum-boxes, fruit-cases, cheese, and numerous other kinds of boxes for local and intercolonial trade. Kauri timber is also used in Auckland for ship, yacht, and boat-build-ing. From the majority of the returns received it will be observed that the larger mills are situated within the northern and East Coast districts, and confine themselves to cutting mostly kauri timber, although other timbers, such as totara and rimu, are milled by them, but to a much less extent, as the great risk attached to the floating of this timber to the mills, the cost of production, and the delivering of same to the market does not sufficiently warrant the outlay to compete against the southern mills and the mills erected within the districts confined exclusively to totara and rimu timber. Considerable importance is also attached to the milling of kahikatea timber within the Auckland District, which timber is, as before mentioned, exported and utilised for manufacturing butter-boxes, &c.

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Land District. Number of Mills. Total Horsepower. 'otal Number of Hands employed. Total Cuttingcapacity per Annum. Total Output per Annum. mckland lawke's Bay 'aranaki Vellington larl borough lelson Vestland 'arnerbury )tago io'iililaud 49 61 31 73 16 58 51 9 10 56 2,528 1,632 612 1,324 252 675 913 101 137 1,323 2,138 1,032 574 1,052 202 334 609 86 77 808 Sup. ft. 244,320,000 81,888,400 39,500,000 100,330,000 15,722,000 55,333,200 88,990,000 3,363,000 5,984,000 69,500,000 Sup. ft. 182,454,000 49,151,354 20,323,700 55,860,106 9,552,000 13,191,807 37,249,775 2,696,000 ■2,918,000 39,893,000 Totals 414 9,497 6,912 704,930,600 413,289,742

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Schedule of Sawmills.— Auckland Land District.

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Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native Land. Varieties of Timbertrees eat. Horse-power of Machinery of Mill. Purpose for which Timber is utilised: Cutting- ( a > Locally, for Construction of Houses, or ° aP Min yOf Output per Annum. Nu^ 1^ ttndS with Railway and Road per Annum. (*•) Senflina to another District; I (c.) For Export outside the Colony. Kaihu Sawmill (James Trounson) Waitemata Sawmill Company (D. B. White for Waitemata Sawmill Company) Kaihu Native lease .. Kauri and totara .. 32 Sup. ft. 3,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,400,000 21 (a) 52,000, (6) 1,170,000, (c) 178,000. Auckland Tatarariki, Northern Wairoa Crown and Euro- Mostly kauri; small pean quantity of totara and kahikatea Crown, European, Kauri, rimu, whiteand Native pine, matai, and totara 40 40 4,000,000 Log measure 6,000,000 i 4,000,000 in log; or about 3,200,000 sup. ft. sawn Average, 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 49 in sawmill 14 in (a) Nearly all used under this heading, joinery (b) Small percentage shipped to Christchurch —say, 60,000 ft. per annum. (c) Small quantity shipped to United Kingdom— say, 200,000 ft. per annum. 19 in mill, 3 in (a), (6), and (c). box department (not including tally clerk and office stag) Northern Pine Sawmill Paeroa Sawmill (Forrest and Clark) Paeroa Little lots of Na- Kahikatea, kauri, tive, Crown and rimu, and manEuropean geao European .. Rimu 25 3,120,000 1,400,000 In mill, 7 to 8; Mining-timber, county, and borough average, 7 works, house-building : Proportions in order named. 20 (a) and (6). Mamaku Steam Saw and Planing Mill (A. W. Roe) Totara North (T. M. Lane arid Son) Mamaku 20 1,250,000 1,250,000 Totara North, Whangaroa Crown chiefly .. Kauri, and sometimes a little rimu About 50 indicated 2,500,000 719,000 last year 10 The bulk of the first class is used in our shipbuilding-yard, inferior goes chiefly to the gumfields, medium to outside districts and the islands. We export about 80,000 ft. altogether. 36 {a) and (b). Rotorua Rimu Company (Limited) Whakapara (F. and W. G. Firth) Kaipara Timber Company (Limited) Mamaku Native .. .. j Rimu and whitepine Crown and settlers' Kauri only Engine, 33; boiler, 50 30 3,500,000 3,500,000 I Whakapara 2,500,000 2,500,000 Bush, 25 ; mill, 25 ! Small quantity locally ; the larger part Australia. 43 (c.) For export outside the colony, 90 per cent.; for local trade, 10 per cent. Graliamsfern, Northern Wairoa European .. White -pine, kauri, rimu, totara, and matai 60 10,000,000 for two shifts — i.e., night and day 8,000,000 Tamaki Sawmill Company J Katikati | I Waimata Crown .. .. I Kauri and rimu (40 tl2 •2,000,000 *750 ,000 For 1904 1,109,739 231,260 [ For construction of houses and road11 work and mining purposes, tram4 1 j rails and repairs. Locally, mining, { Waihi. v 44 Locally. Mountain Rimu Timber Company (Limited) Otorohanga (Ellis and Burnand, Limited) Mamaku, Rotorua Survey District Waitomo County .. Part, European and Rimu part Crown Native .. .. Kahikatea and rimu 25 30 3,250,000 2,500,000 3,200,000 2,150,000 . . 30 Construction oi houses locally and in other districts ; about 100,000 ft. for export, and 100,000 ft. for butterboxes. 13 Locally and Auckland markets. The Coulthard Timber Company, Limited (H. G. Garlick, Secretary) Wairakau (Bond Bros. and Judd) Chadwick Mill (William Chadwick, proprietor) Pukepoto (E. L. Masters, owner) Helenaville, Kaipara European .. Kauri, kahikatea, rimu, totara, matai Crown .. .. Kauri 25 2,000,000 Only working three montlis yet Katikati .. 80 3,000,000 1,500,000 22 at mill ; 20 at Sending to Auckland, bush Pahi, Kaipara Timber purchased „ from Crown Principally Crown, Kauri, totara, and a little off pri- rimu vate and Maori land 40 3,000,000 3,000,000 21 i (a) 300,000, (c) 2,700,000. Mangonui County .. 12 ♦500,000 •200,000 12 during eight I Principally local; occasionally supply months of the small orders from other districts, year 'About.

Sledge known as " Catamarin " drawn by Bullock Team along Greased Skids, Auckland.

No. 4.]

No. 5.]

Rimu and Totara Bush Workings, Near Poro-o-terau, Auckland.

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Houtu Hokianga Crown Kauri and totara .. 85 9,0 JO,000 3,200,000 For tima worked 1,800,000 For time worked 30 to 40 Local sales and export. Opua (New Zealand Timber Company Proprietary, Limited) Oceanic Sawmill (D. Goldie) Bay of Islands Auckland Crown and European Kauri 40 40 4,000,000 5,750,000 Average, 18 50 Local sales, export, Island. Locally for houses, &c , and export tc Australia, England, and other parts of New Zealand. (a) Local for houses, and Railway Department ; (b) Dunedin and othei parts of the colony. About half oui output we use for packing and othei cases. Box-making and building. Export outside colony. 4,250,000 Auckland Sawmill (Uacklow Bros.) Mechanics' Bay, Auckland Ditto Kauri, totara, kahikatea, and rimu 42 nominal 4,000,000 3,250,000 Mill, 39; scows and bushes, 50 Hauraki Sawmill White Pine Company of New Zealand, Limited), Naumai Avoro Thames North Wairoa Native Crown White-pine ' .. 75 100 5,200,000 10,000,000 4,945,000 5,000,000 75 50 Kaipara Crown and European Crown, European, and Native Ditto Kauri and kahikatea 100 12,000,000 8,500,000 61 (a), (»), aud (c). Whangape Hokianga Kauri, rimu, and kahikatea Ditto Kauri Kauri, rimu, and kahikatea Kauri 30 4,000,000 3,000,000 18 Herekino Auckland Onehunga Auckland City Onehunga 20 140 40 2,500,000 15,000,000 5,000,000 2,000,000 11,000,000 4,000,000 22 300 35 (a) and (b). Aratapu Te Kopuru Kohnkohu Waimamaku Wairoa .. Hokianga 120 120 80 25 14,000,000 14,000,000 6,000,000 3,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 5,000,000 2,500,000 140 120 40 60 (a), (6), and (c). Whangarei Mercury Bay Tairua Whangarei Mercury Bay Tairua Crown and European Recutting only .. Crown 25 50 80 60 60 8,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 6,000,000 last year 6,000,000 (a), (6), and (e). Parker, Lamb, and Co... Auckland City Crown, European, and Native Ditto .. Kauri, totara, and ™ kahikatea Ditto 45 7,000,000 60 Leyland O'Brien Mechanics' Bay Waihi Thames 80 80 40 40 5,000,000 5,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 1,200,000 2,500,000 70 50 20 25 (a), (a). „ approximate. B. L. Knight .. .. Lamb Bros. * • • .. Crown European and Native Kauri and kahikatea Steele Bros. Mamaku Crown and European European European and Native Ditto Rimu, totara, and matai Kahikatea Kahikatea, rimu, and totara Ditto Kahikatea Kauri Kauri and rimu 40 3,000,000 2,300,000 20 (a) and (6), "approximate. Turua Maraetawa Turua Maraetawa 100 40 10,000,000 4,500,000 7,600,000 3,200,000 100 25 (b) and (c), (a) and (6), Pututuru Gibbons Bradley and Mander P. Coulthard .. .. J. Smyth Pututuru.. Tangiwahine Puhipuhi.. Bapakura Kennedy's Bay Crown European Stopped cutting for the present European and Native European 35 32 45 20 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,750,000 1,250,000 1,800,000 2,500,000 4,500,000 750,000 20 28 45 10 (a), (b), (c), ", (a) and (6), '„ R. P. Gibbons and Co. .. Kopu Kahikatea 40 4,000,000 3,000,000 36 (b) and (c), Cashmore Bros. Cox's Creek Kauri 35 3,500,000 3,500,000 30 (a), (6), (c). Total 2,528 2,137 244,320,000 182,454,000 Averages. —Forty-nine mills; average horsi 2,137. i-power of machinery, 52 ; average cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet; average output, 3,700,000 superficial feet; number of hands employed,

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HAWKE'S BAY. v The following are some particulars relating to the sawmilling industry as carried on in the southern portion of the land district. Starting from the mouth of the Waimata Stream, which is the most southerly point of the Hawke's Bay Land District, passing through Herbertville and travelling towards Dannevirke, the first mill to be met with is known as Martin's, on the Angora Road, and cutting totara timber from settlers' holdings on royalty. The cutting-area is about 200 acres, and the engine, a portable one of 8-horse power. This mill employs three hands. About two miles from Weber Village, on the Tahuokaretu Road, is situated the Tahuokaretu Mill, cutting over an area a of about 500 4 conveying the timber by wagon to Dannevirke. McCaulay's mill, on the Tuturewa Road, is cutting timber over an area of about 100 acres on settlers' Crown leaseholds. Harper and Diehl's Ngapaeruru Mill is next to be found, situated on the main road, and cutting timber land and settlers' holdings. A public school has been established at the mill, known as the Ngapaeruru School. Next to be seen, on the Mangahe Road, is Gordon's mill, cutting on their own leasehold of 370 acres, using an engine of 35 nominal horse-power, and employing twenty-three hands. Much of the timber is carted into Dannevirke for A. L. Gordon and Co's woodware factory, where an Atlas American engine of 45 nominal horse-power is used in the manufacture of sashes and doors, mouldings, and cabinetwork. The factory is fitted up with the latest American planing machinery ; and a nail-driving machine used in the manufacture of butter-boxes is of special interest. This factory is employing thirty hands exclusive of those employed at the mill. Bennett and Sollett's yards are next met with on the main road to Dannevirke, connected by tramline with the mill which is working in the Tepapakuku Block. Proceeding south from Dannevirke towards Woodville are two mills owned by the Dannevirke Sawmilling Company (cutting from Tamaki Crown land, and paying royalty to Hawke's Bay Timber Company), Gamman and Co., Hawke's Bay Timber Company, A. B. Larsen, Totara Sawmilling Company, J. Crallan (two mills), and Palmerston Sash and Door Company, situated at Kiritaki. From Gamman and Co's 12,000 superficial feet of totara was supplied for Government road-works. Returning to Dannevirke, and within a small radius eastward of the same, are found the Union Timber Company, Tiratu Sawmilling Company (three mills), and at Mangatera a planing-mill, also the property of the Tiratu Sawmilling Company. About three miles from Mangatera, in the Umutaoroa Block, is found the Umutaoroa Sawmilling Company (cutting from Native land and exporting timber to Wellington and Wanganui). Proceeding northwards from Mangatera and along the road towards Norsewood are the following : Gamman and Co. (two mills), R. Holt, C. T. Price, Wilding and Co., Bartholomew Bros., Hawke's Bay Timber Company, Holm Bros., Palmerston Sash and Door Company, W. T. Greenaway (sash and door), and the Ruahine Sawmilling Company. Gamman and Co's mill supplied the Roads Department with 20,000 ft. of totara timber for road-works. In the neighbourhood of Norsewood are mills belonging to Brown and Nordbye, Carlson Bros., Anderson and Co., McLeod, and Sowersby and Parsons. Carlson Bros, and McLeod have practically cut out their bush. In the Waikopiro and Ngapaeruru districts, east of Ormondville, are two small mills owned by Webster and West respectively, worked with small portable engines and cutting from settlers' holdings. West's mill supplied the Roads Department with a small quantity of totara for road purposes. Near Takapau is found a Cohr and Co., cutting totara from freehold lands for local consumption. Leaving Waipawa and proceeding towards Wakarara and Hampden are found Halley and Ewing's (working on settlers' holdings, Forest Gate Settlement), Yule and Son, Manson and Co. (Attic Mill), Manson and Co. (Tikokino Mill). From the Attic Mill totara for culverts and bridges was obtained for Argyll Settlement, and from the Tikokino Mill, telegraph-poles for the Telegraph Department, Napier. Manson and Co. are now erecting a mill on one of the sections in Argyll Settlement, and close to Hampden. The engine will be of 30 nominal horse-power, and thirty hands will be employed. The mill will be called the Gwavas Mill, and a tram-line is now being laid to the Gwavas Bush (Mr. Carlyon's private property), a distance of four miles from the mill-site. The cutting-area will be from 600 to 1,000 acres, and the timber principally matai and totara. About forty horses will be in use for the haulage of the timber from the bush to the mill.

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Hauling Rimu and Totara out of Forest to Ellis and Burnand's Mill, Poro-o-terau. Auckland.

No. 6.] Auckland.

View of Main Booms, Wharekawa, Auckland.

No. 7.]

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Leaving Hampden and returning to Waipawa the Argyll Sawmilling Company have a mill working in the Argyll Settlement and cutting from.settlers' leaseholds. Passing on to Kaikora and eastward to Patangata, Brown, Gloyn, and Co. have a mill working on Mr. J. G. Johnston's freehold, cutting rimu and white-pine, some of which is used locally and the rest sent to Napier. Seven miles from Te Aute —taking the road to the old Te Reinga homestead on Argyll Settlement —is found Henry Carlson's Te Aute Mill, cutting on European land in Raukawa Block over an area of 600 acres, which it is estimated will take eight years to cut out. There are two engines at work with al6 and 12 nominal horsepower respectively. Timber was also supplied from this mill for the Argyll Settlement road-works Proceeding to Napier, and within a short distance of the railway-station, is R. Holt's mill and factory which is principally supplied with logs purchased from milling-bush, north and south of Napier. The material is used locally or for shipment coastwise. At Pohui, twenty-five miles from Napier, are mills owned by Peddle, and Crawford and Lee ; but the former has not been working for some months. Puketitiri has two mills—Hawke's Bay Timber Company and J. Holt. The latter has been erected recently and the output of timber and number of hands will show a considerable increase as the work proceeds. Peddles mill at Patoka is closed at the present time. Returning to Napier and proceeding north to Mohaka, McKain and Hutchinson's mill is to be seen working at the mouth of the Mohaka River, and depends on the supply of logs floated down the river from settlers' holdings, some of which are twenty miles distant. There are in all fifty-four timber-mills working in the southern portion of the district, including one which is nearly cut out, one which is at present closed, and two small mills the particulars of which as regards output I have been unable to obtain with any .accuracy, as they are not regularly at work but only to execute orders for local requirements. The total nominal horse-power of the machines used in the mills is 1,506. The estimated annual cutting-capacity 77,592,000 superficial feet, and the annual output 49,151,354 superficial feet, in the following proportions : Totara, 8,830,271; matai, 12,745,406 ; rimu, 21,575,677 ; kahikatea, 6,000,000. The output of kahikatea (white-pine) from this part of your district may be put down as 3,000,000 superficial feet, the rest beingjused within the district. The number of hands employed in connection with the mills is 999.

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Schedule of Sawmills.— Hawke's Bay Land District.

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Name of Sawmill. I Locality. Whether catting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cat. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. Number of Hands employed. Purpose for which timber is utilised. Anderson and Co. N gam ok o, : Norsewood Tepapakuku near Settlers' Matai and rimu 16 Sup. ft. 1,680,000 Sup. ft. 470,856 15 Wellington and local requirements. Bennett and Sollitt Mostly matai and rimu with a little totara Rimu and matai 12 1,200,000 702,586 20 Bartholomew Bros. Matamau ..I Crown 14,20 1,444,000 1,743,936 24 75 per cent, to Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston, remainder locally for house-building. Locally, and to Napier. Brown, Gloyn, and Co. .. Brown and Nordbye Carlson Bros. Carlson, H. T. Crallan, J. .. .. Patangata .. Norsewood .. Te Aute Matahiwi Maharahara Takapau European, freehold of J. Goring Johnston Rakautata h i Crown selectors Te Ohu freehold .. European Gaisford's freehold Settlers' A'Deane's freehold Rimu and white-pine Rimu and matai, dead trees principally Matai and rimu 8 12 20 12,16 12,8) 12 1 16 960,000 050,000 1,444,000 1,800,000 210,474 634,874 234,000 1,057,580 8 20 22 30 Locally for construction of buildings. Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston. Rimu, white-pine, and matai 1,444,000 1,348,117 26,12 Cohr, P. M., and Co. .. Totara 1,680,000 1,305,150 17 Wellington, Wanganui, Palmerston, and Napier. Dannevirke Sawmill Company Gamman, G. A., and Co. Tamaki Crown Rimu, matai, pine, and a little totara Rimu and matai 35, 13, 11 4,320,000 2,702,871 51 Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston, paying royalty to Hawke's Bay Timber Company. Wellington. Tahoraite .. Tamaki, Crown 20, 15, 10 - 6,960,000 I" i 50 ( 49 Matamau .. 27,25 6,237,526 1,000,000 ft. white-pine, exported (royalty to Tamaki Pastoral Company). Wellington and locally (royalty to Tamaki Pastoral Company). To their furniture works in Dannevirke, to Wellington, and Wanganui. Wellington and Palmerston North. Patangata .. 55 1,212,864 Gordon, A. L., and Co... Ngapaeruru Crown selectors holdings Tamaki, Crown Rimu, totara, and matai 35 1,920,000 23 Palmerston Sash and Door Company Greenaway, W. F., Sash and Door Company Halley and Ewing Near Matamau Rimu and matai 50 3,040,000 1,697,000 20 Matamau .. Old workings, Te Ohu freehold European settlers, Forest Gate Native and settlers Crown Rimu and white-pine 16 1,520,000 1,363,295 15 Sash and door factory, Palmerston North. Ongaonga .. Matai, rimu, and totara 10 1,200,000 560,152 13 Wellington chiefly, also Wanganui and Palmerston North. To builders at Palmerston North. Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston North. Harpur and Diehl Hawke's Bay Timber Company Ditto Mangatoro .. Tahoraite .. ri * • * 14,10 50 1,680,000 1,155,271 880,000 22 30 Near Matamau Puketitiri .. • European freehold Settlers' freehold .. Matai and rimu White-pine, rimu, and matai 50,12 14,12 15,020, 000 \ 870,000 90,000 25 5 Locally for house-building. Timber yards at Napier and to Palmerston North, and white-pine for export. Wanganui and Wellington. To Napier and Hastings, for house-building. Locally and for shipment coastwise. Holm Bros. Holt, R. Matamau .. Piripiri Napier Te Ohu, European Crown Rimu and matai Rimu, matai, and totara Logs purchased from Piripiri and other forests Rimu, matai, and white-pine Mixed bush Totara and matai Matai, totara, and rimu 10 40,10 45,25 720,000 3,480,000 3,500,000 216,392 2,149,103 870,000 12 22 60 • • Holt, J. Larsen, A. B. .. Manson and Co. (Attio Mill) Puketitiri .. Tahoraite .. Tikokino Wakarara .. European Native European 12 16 12 8,6 1,680,000 1,200,000 1,320,000 1,320,000 780,000 855,656 626,967 590,353 5 28 10 28 To Napier timber-yards. Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston North, Telegraph poles to Napier Telegraph Department. Mostly ueed locally (12,000ft. totara used for road-works, Argyll Settlement). Sash and Door Company's works, Palmerston North. Price's timber yards, Petone, Wellington. Palmerston North Sash and Door Company Price, C. T. Kiritaki Crown Matai, rimu, and totara 45,45 3,040,000 1,698,290 30 Piripiri 36,10 1,680,000 1,891,750 20

No. B.J

View of Logs confined bt Main Booms, Wharekawa Estuary.

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2—C. 6.

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Euahine Sawmill Company Sowersby and Parsons .. Tiratu Sawmill Company Piripiri Near Norsewood Tiratu No. 2 Crown European Native Matai and rimu Mixed bush Rimu, matai, an£ totara 33,14 12 30 50,50 17 50 1,800,000 960,000 1,773,899 578,592 20 10 ( 20 \ 30 i 30 8 Locally, for construction of houses. Local consumption, and to Wellington. Wellington, Wanganui, and Hastings. 1,000,000 ft. white-pine exported to Australia. Planing mill. Locaily for construction of houses, and to Wellington. Wellington and Wanganui. i " Mangatera Tamaki • 6,000,000 5,288,714 Totara Sawmill Company ) European Totara 1,845,990 1,920,000 Umutaoroa Sawmill Company Union Timber Company Wilding and Co. Yule, A., and Son Argyll Sawmill Company Umutaoroa Tiratu Smith's Siding Wakarara .. Argyll Settlement Native European Mixed bush Rimu and matai Mixed dead timber Mixed timber Totara, matai, and rimu 13 50 50 12, 8 14 960,000 1,800,000 1,680,000 960,000 1,800,000 675,619 1,605,122 540,560 519,555 478,260 27 28 10 11 Wanganui, Wellington, and Palmerston North. Principally local consumption. Locally, and to Waipawa. For local consumption, and to AVaipawa. 4,700 ft. totara for road-works, Argyll Settlement. Local consumption, and to Napier. Crown leasehold Peddle Pohui European Matai and rimu 16 Nearly out out Closed at present 215,000 750,000 Patoka 8,9 Local consumption, for house-building. Crawford and Lee MoKain and Hutchinson MoLeod McCaulay Martin's ... Tahuokaretu Pohui Mohaka Crown leaseholds .. Logs floated down from Crown leaseholds Crown leaseholds .. Settlers' Totara, matai, and rimu Totara and rimu 8 12 600,000 1,670,000 6 8 Locally, for construction of houses. Locally, and to Napier. Ngamoko Ngapaeruru Tautane Weber Matai and rimu Mixed bush Totara, rimu, and matai Matai and rimu 14 12 8 14 1,760,000 1,650,000 1,200,000 1,780,000 730,000 630,000 200,000 700,000 6 10 3 7 Principally local consumption. Portable engines of from 8 to 10 horse-power, and being constantly moved about to various settlers' holdings Webster's West's Waikopiro .. Ngapaeruru Tucker's Whangara .. Native Poverty lAY. 156,000 Hanson's Brown's De Lautour & Co., Alpha Saw and Milling Company, Gisborne Boke Bros. Motu Te Araroa .. Gisborne I Mangakino (Whatatutu } Crown Private Native White-pine and matai White-pine and rimu Eimu and matai m • • White-pine and matai 20 8 10 30 204,000 312,000 364,000 62,400 Nil. 2 2 12 8 y 2 19 About 500,000 cut, no more marketable timber available; all used locally for building purposes. Mill not working. Only working a short time. The timber is unlimited on Crown, Native, and private lands; all used locally for building purposes, and some for bridges. This is only a small affair, does not cut timber regularly, generally cuts timber when wanted for district ; not 1 year in existence. This mill is in transit, shifting it from Tβ Karaka to Gisborne. The timber will be cut at Te Araroa and brought down by vessels from the coast; not working at present. Timber uncut estimated at 30,000,000; used for buildings, butter-factory and cooperage. Used for building purposes in the district; has only been working a few months ; estimated amount uncut 2,000,000. Used for building purposes only in the district ; only in working order during the last few months ; estimated amount uncut 700,000. All timber carted in wagons to Kaitaratahi, and from there by rail to Gisborne. This mill has only been started a few months; has about 200,000 ft. on hand ; carts all timber to Kaitaratahi, and from there by train to Gisborne. Estimated amount uncut on both sides of the river 60,000,000. Two 8 S J. Devery's ( Puhatikotiko 1 Te Karaka i European m i 7 78,000 9 Drummond Bros. (Tapuihikika I Te Karaka ) Native m • 25 3,120,000

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TARANAKI. As will be seen from the schedules, the great bulk of all the timber cut is for local consumption (provincial) in the shape chiefly of building-material, the manufacture of butter-boxes, and for road and railway works. Five mills only indicated a small output of white-pine for export, but no actual returns are given. Three of these, Messrs. H. Brown and Co., Inglewood, and G. Syme's Midbirst and Wingrove Road Mills, report a " little white-pine cut for export" (probably does not exceed 10,000 ft. in all) ; and, in the case of the other two, Messrs. Greenaway's and Kelly's (on the Mokau River), they have just started ; but it is contemplated that a proportion of the output of white-pine will be exported outside the colony. As the home demand is likely to increase on a general failing supply it is not likely that the quantity exported will ever reach any appreciable dimensions, while it is desirable in the interests of New Zealand requirements that the export of this timber should cease altogether. A large proportion of the white-pine cut in the district is converted into butter-boxes, the Eltham Butter-box Company alone at its factory at Eltham turning out annually 189,000 boxes. Of other factories, the Sash and Door Company at New Plymouth manufacture 24,000 ; Twigg and Co., Hawera, 6,000 ; Syme and Co., Hawera, 30,000 ; and Brown and Co., New Plymouth, 20,000. These factories employ 103 men, their output embracing all kinds of joinery as well as butter-box manufacture. Taking the mills geographically, the most northern ones are Messrs. Ellis and Burnand's two mills in the Mapara and Pahi Survey Districts, numbered 1 and 1a on the map. The first of these is situated near the Mangapeehi Railway-station, on the North Island Main Trunk Railway, and the other (1a) at Tiroa, some nine miles back in the bush on Native lands ; both mills draw their supply from the same bush, which is partly situated in the Auckland Land District. The Mangapeehi Mill cuts annually 1,637,200 superficial'feet rimu, 818,600 ft. matai, and 1,227,900 ft. totara. The Tiroa Mill cuts 280,000 superficial feet rimu, 140,000 ft. matai, 210,000 ft. totara, and 70,000 ft. white-pine.' ' Messrs. Ellis and Burnand describe the mill at Mangapeehi as " one of the finest country mills in the colony, containing vertical, heavy travelling, circular, and breast circular saws, with a double deal frame and two planers, one of them being one of the latest five-headed American moulders. The heavy travelling circular-saw bench is driven directly by a novelty in the shape of an American rotary engine. This mill puts through rather over 2,000 superficial feet per hour. The other and smaller mill in the bush consists of twin circulars, mounted on an imported iron frame. This mill is cutting principally matai, while the main mill cuts totara, rimu, and matai; there are very large quantities of white-pine in the bush, but under present conditions of railway-freight, &c, it cannot be worked at a profit. There are some fourteen miles of tramways in connection with these mills, the main tram crosses a high range, and at present the logs are brought down a grade of 1 in 7 with the aid of a New Zealand invention from the west coast of the South Island known as the centre-rail brake. Ellis and Burnand are, however, relaying their main tram with steel rails, and have ordered a heavy geared American locomotive especially suited for rough steep grades ; at present some fifty draught horses are employed on the tram, and at the two mills. The logs aTe broken out to the tramway, both with a steam hauler and wire rope, and by bullocks. The bush is on Native lands, on a high table-land about 2,000 ft. above sea-level, and is expected to last for a generation or more. The bulk of the timber finds a market in the City of Auckland ; and Messrs. Ellis and Burnand have also a sash and door factory at Hamilton, employing twenty men, dependent on these mills for the timber required. They are also now erecting a butter-box factory. 2 and 3. Messrs. Greenaway's and Kelly's mills on the Mokau River, about twelve and thirteen miles respectively from its mouth, have just started, and consequently give no actual output-return, though their cutting-capabilities are given at 260,000 and 200,000 superficial feet respectively, and both owners expect to export their white-pine outside the colony. These mills ship their timber direct by small coastal steamers to Waitara. 4. Tarata Mill (Smith and Co.) : The timber cut at this mill consits of about 47,500 superficial feet rimu, 2,000 ft. white-pine, and a little matai; all obtained from the European lands adjacent and disposed of locally. 5. H. Brown and Co's mill, near Inglewood, obtains its timber from an area of about 3,000 acres of private lands abutting on the Egmont National Park Reserve, and four to nine miles from the mill, to which it is taken by tramway. The total output is 1,650,000 superficial feet, of which 1,320,000 superficial feet consists of rimu, and 330,000 ft. of white-pine ; the timber used locally, a large pro • portion being forwarded to the company's depot and factory in New Plymouth. Circling the Mount Egmont National Park Reserve, and depending on adjacent private,_ and in a less degree on Native, lands for their supply of timber, are other twelve mills, principally cutting rimu ; with, in some cases, a little white-pine. These, with their annual average output in superficial feet, are as follows :— 6. Greenaway :On the Plymouth Road. Cutting about 45,000 ft. rimu and 5,000 ft. white-pine, for local house-construction. A new mill will shortly be erected. 7. Sash and Door Company: On the Egmont Road. Cutting about 385,500 ft. rimu and 128,500 ft. white-pine, the latter going to the company's depot and factory at New Plymouth. 8. Ducker and Co. : Situated on the Newall Road, and cutting wholly rimu : 200,000 ft. for local house-construction, &c. 9. Mills and Co. ;On the Kahui Road. Also wholly cutting rimu for local demand : 250,000 superficial feet.

No. 9.J

Face of Dam, Wharekawa, Auckland.

No. 10.]

"Tripping" Dam, Wharekawa River, Auckland,

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10. Opunake Milling Company :On the Tohu Road. Wholly cutting rimu for local demand ; 450,000 superficial feet. 11. Opunake Milling Company: On the Kiri Road. Cutting 194,750 ft. rimu and 10,250 ft. white-pine ; all for local house-construction. 12. Parkes and Brooker :On the Opunake Road. Cutting 540,000 ft. rimu and 60.000 ft. whitepine, for local consumption. 13. Stevenson and Spence :On the Opunake Road. Cutting all rimu, about 190,000 ft. for local demand, as house-construction, &c. Expect to have all timber cut out in three months. 14. W. C. Clements :On the Manaia Road North. Cutting 81,000 superficial feet rimu and 27,000 superficial feet white-pine, for house-construction, &c, locally. 15. Twigg and Co. : On the Radnor Road. Cutting 450,000 superficial feet rimu and 150,000 superficial feet white-pine, the latter being converted into butter-boxes at the company's Hawera factory. 16. Sash and Door Company :On the Tariki Road. Cutting 1,498,880 superficial feet rimu and 214,120 superficial feet white-pine. The timber is all used locally for house-construction, a large proportion of it going to the company's depot and sash and door factory at New Plymouth. 17. G. Syme : Near Midhirst. Cutting about 954,000 ft. rimu and 106,000 ft. white-pine. The rimu is for local consumption, and a small quantity of white-pine has been exported. 18. T. Mitchell: On the Monmouth Road. Wholly cutting rimu—lso,ooo ft.—for local houseconstruction and road-works. Eleven of the remaining mills are in the Ngaire Survey District, chiefly in the neighbourhood of the towns of Stratford, Eltham, and Midhirst. These mills all obtain their timber from European private lands in the vicinity, and are as follows : — 19. Union Timber Company : Beaconsfield Road, near Midhirst. Cutting about 573,000 ft. rimu, 152,800 ft. white-pine, and 38,200 ft. matai, for local building, railway, and road works. 20. H. Brown and Co. : Ohura Road, near Stratford. Cutting 290,000 superficial feet rimu, disposed of locally for house-construction. Timber forwarded to the New Plymouth depot and factory. Will be cut out in three mouths. 21. H. Brown and Co. : Ohura Road, Patea River. Cutting 550,500 ft. white-pine, 146,800 ft. rimu, and 36,700 ft. matai, which is all used locally for house-construction, &c. Will be cut out in six months. 22. Derby Bros. : Standish Road, Toko. Cutting 224,000 ft. rimu, 93,500 ft. white-pine, and 56,100 ft. matai, for local house-construction and road-works. 23. G. Syme : Clandon Settlement. Cutting 369,550 ft. rimu and 19,450 ft. white-pine, which is all used locally for house, railway, and road construction. 25. G. Syme : Toko. Cutting all matai —247,000 superficial feet for local house-construction, road, and railway works. 26. G. Syme : Wingrove Road. Cutting 592,900 ft. rimu, 169,400 ft. white-pine, and 84,700 ft. matai, for local house-construction, road, and railway works. A small quantity of white-pine has been exported from this mill. 27. Sash and Door Company: Ngaire. Cutting 600,000 ft. rimu, 200,000 ft. white-pine, and 200,000 ft. matai. The white-pine is principally used for the manufacture of butter-boxes at the company's New Plymouth factory. Bush said to be nearly cut out. 28." W. C. Clements: Anderson Road. Cutting 600,000 ft. rimu and 600,000 ft. white-pine for local house-construction, &c. 29. — Ramsay, Mangawhero Road, Eltham. Cutting 980,000 ft. white-pine and 420,000 ft. rimu. White-pine chiefly for the Eltham Butter-box Factory and rimu for other local use. 30. — Webby, Mangawhero Road, Eltham. Cutting 300,000 superficial feet white-pine for Eltham Butter-box Factory and 300,000 ft. rimu for local house-construction and road-works, &c. 24. — Meredith, near Strathmore. Cutting 71,250 ft. rimu, 3,000 ft. white-pine, also a little matai; all used locally for house-construction and road-works. Summarising the schedule it appears that there are thirty-one mills in all, employing 574 men ; of these twenty-seven draw their timber from about 42,200 acres European and 1,100 acres Native lands and four wholly from about 6,900 acres of Native lands. The horse-power of machinery available amounts to 612, giving a full cutting-capacity of 39,500,000 superficial feet per annum, while the actual output as returned is 20,323,700 superficial feet, made up of the following classes and quantities : Rimu, 12,916,730 superficial feet, used for house-construc-tion, railway, and road works ; white-pine, 4,316,520 superficial feet, principally used for making butter-boxes, joinery, &c, and a small quantity is exported ; matai, 1,637,550, superficial feet, used for house-construction, railway, and road works ; Totara, 1,452,900 superficial feet, used for houseconstruction, railway, and road works : total, 20,323,700 superficial feet.

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12

Schedule of Sawmills.— Taranaki Land District.

Name of Sawmill. Locality of Mill. Whether cutting on Crown, IS uropean, or Native Land. Varieties of Timber- P*o§ trees cut. i § SB'S Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. 11° 55 « Purpose for which Timber ie utilised : (a.) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in connection with Bail way and Road Works; (5.) Seading to ano'.her District; (c.) For Export outside the Colony. Mangapeehi (Ellis and Burnand) Mapara Survey District, near the Mangapeehi Railway -station, North Island Main Trunk Railway. Waimeha Stream, Pahi Survey District. Native land. Approximate, 2,400 acres in Taranaki Provincial District ; approximate, 3,000 acres in Auckland Provincial District Rimu, totara, and matai 50 Sup. ft 5,000,000 Sup. ft. 3,683,700 (1,637,200 rimu, 818,600 matai, 1,227,900 totara) 85 85 (a.) For construction of houses. (6.) Large proportion sent to Auokland as there is no local demand, (c.) None exported. Tiroa (Ellis ana Burnand) Both these mills are supplied from the same bush Rimu, totara, matai, and white-pine 30 1,500,000 (Approx. estimate) 700,000 (250,000 rimu, 140,000 matai, I 210,000 totara, 70,000 white-pine) (Approx. estimate) 130,000 (86,700wbite-pine, 21,700 rimu, 10,800 matai, 10,800 totara) (Approx. estimate) 100,000 (58,300 white-pine, 33,300 rimu, 4,200 totara, 4,200 matai) 14 16 15 The same remarks as above apply. New mill. Messrs. Ellis and Burnand have a sash and door factory at Hamilton, employing about 20 hands, and are now erecting a larger mill and a butter-box factory. (a.) Rimu, matai, and totara for construction of buildings and shipment to Waitara. (c.) White -pine for export outside oolony. There are about 2,000,000 sup. ft. of whitepine and 500,000 sup. ft. of rimu to cut. Just started. Mill just started. (a.) Rimu, matai, and totara, for construction of buildings and shipments to Waitara. (c.) White-pine for export outside colony. (At this mill it is estimated that there is about 2,000,000 sup. ft. of white-pine and 1,000,000 sup. ft. of rimu to cut). (a.) Locally, for house-construction and road works. Kelly's Mokau River On the Mokau River, about thirteen miles from its mouth Native land, block commonly known as Mokau-Jones's Mokau-Mohakatino Block, 510 acres Ditto 30 260,000 Greenaway's Mokau Biver Mill On the Mokau River, about twelve miles from its mouth Native land, block commonly known as Mokau-Jones's Mokau-Mohakatino Block, 1,000 acres White-pine, rimu, matai, and totara 21 200,000 Tarata (Smith and Co.).. Sec. 9, Block XVI., Waitara S.D. European, 600 acree, Sec. 9, Block XVI , Waitara, and Sec. 10, Block IV.. Huiroa White-pine, rimu, and matai 600,000 Inglewood (Henry Brown and Co.) Greenaway, Plymouth Road Sec. 99, Moa District Sec 1, Block I., Egmont S.D. European, 3,000 acres, Blocks VIII., XI., and XII., Egmont S.D. European, 1,200 aores, Blocks V. and VI., Egmont S.D. European, 2,000 acres, Block VII., Egmont S.D. White-pine and rimu 10 40 15 2,500,000 1,000,000 50,000 (47,500 rimu, 2,000 white-pine, 500 matai) 1,650,000 (1,320,000 rimu, 330,000 white-pine) 50,000 I (45,000 rimu, 5,000 white-pine) 514,000 (385,500 rimu, 128,500 w.-pine) 200,000, all rimu 4 54 10 13 5 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, (c.) A little white-pine for export. (a.) Locally, for house-construction. A new mill being erected. Sash and Door Company, Egmont Road Sec. 143, Block VII., Egmont S.D. 18 900,000 (a.) Locally for house-construction. Whitepine used for butter-boxes at New Plymouth, factory. (a.) Locally, for house-construction. Ducker and Co., Newall Road Mills and Co., Kahui Road Sec. 8, Block X.,. Cape S.D. Sec. 21, Block XIV., Cape S.D. European, 2,500 acres, Blocks X. and XI., Cape S.D. European, 2,000 acres; Native, 500 acres, Block XIV., Cape S.D. European, 2,000 acres, Blocks XIV. and XV., Cape S.D. European, 1,900 acres; Native, 630 acres, Blocks VIII. and XI., Opunake, and Blocks V. and IX., Kaupokonui S.D. European,2.000acres; Blocks V., VI., IX., and X., Kaupokonui S.D. Rimu 10 500,000 9 400,000 250,000, all rimu 8 (a.) „ Opunake Milling Company, Tohu Road Opunake Milling Company, Kiri Road Sec. 17, Block XIV., Cape S.D. E.R. 69, Block XI., Opunake S.D. 12 900,000 450,000, all rimu 10 (a.) „ Rimu and white-pine 15 600,000 205,000 (194,750 rimu, 10,250 w.-pine) 11 (a.) Locally, for house-construction. Water power. Parks and Brooker, Waimate Sawmills.Opunake Road Sec. 46, Block X., Kaupokonui S.D. 1,560,000 600,000 (540,000 rimu, 60,000 w.-pine) 18 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, &o. 16 18

No. 11.]

Rafting Logs from Main Booms to Store, Wharekawa, Auckland.

No. 12.]

s.s. " Stella " Under Way with Raft in Tow.

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Stevenson and Spence, Opunake Road Sec. 4, Block VII., Kaupokonui S.D. European, 800 acres. Sees. 2, 3,4, and 5, Block VII., Kaupokonui S.D. European, 1,300 acres, Blocks III. and VII., Kaupokonui S.D. European, 1,200 acres, Block XVI., Egmont S.D. Rimu 1-2 600,000 190,000 (Rimu only) 7 (a.) Locally, for house construction, &c. Will be finished in three months. W. C. Clements, Manaia Road, North E.R. 6, Block VII., Kaupokonui S.D. Rimu and white-pine 10 1,560,000 108,000 (81,000 rimu, 27,000 w.-pine) 600,000 (450,000 rimu, 150.000 w.-pine) 1,713,000 (1,493,880 rimu, 214,120 w.-pine) 1,060,000 (954,000 rimu, 106,000 w.-pine) 12 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, &c. Three months at work only. Twigg and Co., Radnor Road Sec. 34, Block XVI., Egmont S.D. 25 1,200,000 15 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, &c. White - pine made into butter - boxes at Hawera Factory. (a.) Locally, for house-construction, &c. White-pine, used for butter- boxes at New Plymouth Factory. (a.) Locally, for house-oonstruction, &c, railway and road works. (c.) A small quantity of white-pine has been exported from thie mill. (a.) Locally, for house-construction and roadworks. (a.) Locally, for building and railway and road works. Bash and Door Company, Tariki E.R. 225, Moa District, Huiroa S.D. European, 2,000 acres, Block XII., Egmont, S.D., and Moa District, Huiroa S.D. European, 3,000 acres, Block XVI , Egmont S.D. 80 2,200,000 40 G. Syme, Midhirst Part Sec. 10, Manga nui District 18 1,500,000 24 T. Mitchell, Monmouth Road Union Company, Beaconsfield Road, Midhirst E.R. 63, Manganui District Sec. 30, Block XIV., Huiroa S.D. European, about 1,000 acres, Manganui District European, 1,000 acres, Block XIV., Huiroa S.D. Rimu 10 250,000 150,000, all rimu 5 Rimu, white - pine, and matia 32 2,000,000 764,000 (573,000 rimu, 152,800 w. pine, 38,200 maitai) 290,000, ail rimu 25 H. Brown and Co.,Ohura Road, Stratford Sub. 5, of N.R. 13, Block II., Ngaire S.D. Sub. 4 of N.R. 13, Block II., Ngaire S.D. European, 1,000 acres, part of Block II., Ngaire S.D. Rimu 20 1,000,000 IS (a.) Looally, for house-construction. Cut out in three months. H. Brown and Co., Ohura Road, Patea River Mill European, 1,200 acres, part of Block II., Ngaire S.D. White - pine, rimu, and matai 25 1,400,000 734,000 22 (a.) Locally, for house-construotion. Derby Bros., Standish Road, Toko G. Syme, Clandon Settlement Sub. 7 of Sec. 1, Block III., Ngaire S.D. Sec. 27, Block XVI., Huiroa S.D. European, 1,000 acres, Block XV., Huiroa S.D. ; Block III., Ngaire S.D. European, 1,000 acres, Blook XVI., Huiroa S.D.; Block IV., Ngaire S.D. European, 500 acres, Blocks X., XIV., and XV., Ngatimaru S.D. Rimu, white - pine, and matai Rimu and white-pine 20 12 900,000 1,250,000 (550,500 w.-pine 146,800 rimu 36,700 matai) 374,000 (224,400 rimu, 93,500 w.-pine, 56,100 matai) 389,000 (369,550 rimu, 19,450 w.-pine) 75,000 (71,250 rimu, 3,000 w.-pine, 750 matai) 247,000, all matai 16 14 (c.) A little white-pine for export. Gut out in six months. (a.) Locally, for house-oonstruction and roadworks. (a.) Locally, for house, railway, and road construction. Meredith, Brewer Road, Strathmore Suburbs Huiakama Block, Block XIV., Nga timaru S.D. Rimu, white-pine, and matai o, 600,000 5 {a.) Locally, for house-construction and roadworks. G. Syme, Toko Part Sub. 3 of Toko A Block, Block IV., Ngaire Survey District Sub. 2 of Pukengahu Block, Block VII., Ngaire Survey District Sec. 23, Block VI., Ngaire Survey District European, 800 acres, Block IV., Ngaire Survey District Matai 18 1,560,000 14 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, railway, and road works. G. Syme, Wingrove Road (Pukengahu Block) European, 3,000 acres, Block VII., Ngaire Survey District Rimu, white - pine, and matai 25 1,560,000 847,000 (592,900 rimu, 169,400 w.-pine, 84,700 matai) 1,000,000 (600,000 rimu, 200,000 w.-pine, 200,000 matai) 1,200,000 (600,000 rimu, 600,000 w.-pine) 1,400,000 (420,000 rimu, 980,000 w.-pine) 600,000 (300,000 rimu, 300,000 w.-pine) 24 (a.) Locally, for house-construction, railway, aud road works. (c.) A small quantity of white-pine has been exported from this mill. (a.) Locally, for house-construction. Whitepine used for butter-boxes at New Plymouth Factory. About cut out. Sash and Door Company, Ngaire European, 1,500 acres, Blocks III. and VII., Ngaire Survey Distriot Rimu, white - pine, and matai 30 2,000,000 30 W. C. Clements, Anderson Road Sec. 25, Block X., Ngaire Survey District Sec. 50, Block X., Ngaire Survey District Sec. 28, Block XIV., Ngaire Survey District European, 700 acres, Sees. 25, 94, and 95, Block X., Ngaire Survey District European, 2,500 acres, Blocks X. and XIV., Ngaire Survey District European, 1,500 acres, Blocks XIV. and XV., Ngaire Survey District Rimu and white-pine 16 2,000,000 14 (a.) Locally, for house construction, &c. Ramsay, Road, Eltham 12 1,400,000 16 White-pine for Eltham Butter-box Factory. Rimu for house-construction, &o., locally. Willy, Mangawhero Road, Eltham 12 600,000 10 White-pine for Eltbam Butter-box Factory. Rimu for house-construction, &c, locally. Totals 39,500,000 612 20,323,700 574 Native Ii in Taranaki District, 5,040 acres; Native land in Aucklan District, 3,000 acres; Euro] lean land in Taranak istrict, 42,200 acres.

C.~6.

WELLINGTON. Eastern Portion of the Wellington Land District. 1. Totara Sawmilling Company's mill is erected near the mouth of the Akitio River, and is now in active operation about twelve months. The company have cutting rights over a large area of freehold land containing totara, kahikatea, rimu, matai, &c. The mill from its position controls the major portion of milling-timber within the influence of the Akitio River (which is ideal for timberfloating purposes). Considerable activity is noticeable amongst holders of lands under the Land Acts and other settlers in felling and hauling logs, which they dispose of either in the bush or on river-bank at marketable rates to the company under notice, thus obtaining employment near home, besides utilising to advantage timber that otherwise would in all probability be destroyed in the ordinary course of settlement. The output is disposed of coastwise by steamers, scows, and other vessels, which I understand load in the open roadstead. The above remarks with reference to lands held under the Land Acts also apply to similar holders who supply local sawmills in their respective neighbourhoods. 2 and 3. There are two sawmills near Pongaroa—viz., Mr. Sherry's and Messrs. Gardner and Teeman's. The former may be described as a small portable mill suitable for cutting out small clumps, also for supplying local requirements ; the latter is a substantially constructed up-to-date mill, well equipped with planing and moulding machines and other appliances, and the output is distributed over nearly the whole of Mount Cerberus and parts of Makuri, Puketoi, and Aohanga districts, settlers thus obtaining sawn or dressed timber at less than town prices. Both mills obtain the major portion of their timber-supply from lands held by settlers under the Land Acts. Quinlan and Co.'s timber-yard (situated at Mangatainoka Railway-station, and now established some four or five years) is well stocked with ordinary building-timber, rough and dressed, also mouldings, &c. The supply is obtained from Hawke's Bay, and is distributed over the Northern part of Mangahao and eastern portion of Makuri districts. From the above it will be seen that some settlers in the northern part of the Wellington District obtain their timber-supply from Hawke's Bay. Wellington City also receives large quantities of sawn timber from Hawke's Bay. 4. Makamaka Sawmill (Gardner Bros.)Js*situated on Valley Read (near Palmerston Track). The mill is recently erected, substantially built, well equipped with planing-machine, &c, and is in active operation about two months. The proprietors have no green or standing bush in hand or in view. The supply is obtained from sound rimu logs remaining in their grassed paddocks (about 500 acres in all, the original bush being now felled about twelve years). Mr. Gardner states he anticipates receiving further similar supplies from neighbouring freeholders. The output is all " heart," and is utilised locally for building purposes. 5. Berg Bros., Konini : Small (portable) mill. Mostly engaged about the locality in cutting out small clumps of standing bush, also sound logs remaining in grassed paddocks. The output is utilised for local requirements, also Wellington market. 6. Hart Udy, Hukanui: Old-established mill. The supply is obtained from Native leaseholds (now mostly cut out). The major portion of the output is despatched to Wellington, and the remainder is utilised locally for building purposes. 7. Burgess and Co., Marima : Sawmill is substantially constructed and well equipped with planing machinery, &c, and has been in active operation about two months. The proprietors expect to obtain the supply from green and dry bush and sound rimu logs remaining in grassed paddocks of selectors under Acts of 1892 and 1893, and propose despatching the major portion of the output to Wellington market, and utilising the remainder for local requirements. The mill is erected in Waiwera Farmhomestead Association Block, and is distant about five miles from Mangamaire Railway-station, Mangahao River (unbridged) intervening. 8. C. J. Barker and Co.'s mill is situated on the Pukohai Road, and is distant about three miles from Hukanui Railway-station. Supply obtained from freeholds and also settlers under Acts of 1892 and 1893. Output utilised locally for building purposes, also for Wellington market. Timber in view nearly exhausted. 9. A. Pryde and Son, Nireaha : Distant about five miles (by private tramway) from Newman Railway-station. Mill well equipped with planing-machine, &c. Supply obtained from freehold lands. Output mostly despatched to Wellington, remainder utilised locally for building purposes. Timber in view limited. 10. C. Alberthsen : Mill erected on (Nireaha Forest Reserve) 160 acres, under license from the Wellington Land Board. Timber practically cut out; present supply obtained from old workings ; expects to cease milling shortly. 11. W. Lawrence : Mill situated on main road near Hamua. Timber in view nearly exhausted ; present supply obtained chiefly from old workings. Milling plant is small, and utilised mostly for cutting small clumps, also clearing out old workings. Output: ordinary building-timber for local requirements, also Wellington market.

14

No. 13.]

Kauri Timber Company's Mill, Whangaroa, Auckland. St. Paul's in the Background.

No. 14.]

Ellis and Burnand's Rimu Mill, near Poro-o-terau, Auckland.

C.-6.

12. Mr. McDonald : Mill distant about two miles by metalled road from Newman Railway-station. Timber in view mostly exhausted. Present supply obtained from sound logs in grassed paddocks and small clumps on freehold land. Milling plant is small; the output is ordinary building-timber, and is utilised locally also for Wellington market. 13. J. Stevens : Mill situated at Hastwell, distant about three miles by metalled road from Mangamahoe Railway-station. Output mostly despatched to Wellington, remainder utilised locally for building purposes. 14. J. Roy : Mill erected in Kakariki Farm-homestead Block, distant (by private tramway) about four miles from Hukanui Railway-station. Plant includes planing-machines, &c. Timber on hand or in view limited. Supplies obtained from 200 acres under license from Wellington Land Board, also from lands held under the Land Acts. Output (totara and rimu) mostly despatched to Wellington market, remainder utilised locally for building purposes. 15. G. Weir : Mill erected in Kakariki Farm-homestead Block, distant (by private tram-line) about three miles from Hukanui Railway-station. Timber-supply obtained from 450 acres education reserve and from freehold, also lands held under the Land Acts. The output is mostly despatched to Wellington, and the remainder is utilised for supplying local orders. 16. W. Waterson : Mill situated in Stirling Farm-homestead Block, distant about six miles from Newman Railway-station by metalled road. Timber on hand limited. Ext3.i:.mg the tramway or removing the sawmill further up the valley is under consideration. Present'and prospective supplies obtained from clumps of green and dry bush, also sound logs in grassed paddocks on lands mostly held by Crown tenants. Output mostly despatched to Wellington market. Remainder utilised for local requirements: 17. McKenny and Quinlan : Mill situated in Stirling Farm-homestead Block, distant about six miles from Newman Railway-station by metalled road. Timber in hand or in view limited. Supplies mostly obtained from Crown tenants. Output mostly despatched to Wellington market, remainder utilised for local requirements. 18. J. Drysdale : Nireaha (forest reserve), distant about five miles (by private tramway) from Newman Railway-station. Catting on 292 acres, under license from Wellington Land Board. Millingtimber on land sufficient for two or three years ; no further supplies in view in locality. Output mostly dimension orders (totara) for Government railway, also mixed timbers for Wellington market. 19. A. Faulkner : Kaiparoro sawmill, distant about six miles by metalled roads from Mangamahoe Railway-station. Plant includes planing-machine, &c. Supplies obtained from 400 freehold and 1,000 acres education reserve. Output ordinary building-timber, despatched mostly to Wellington ; remainder utilised for local requirements. 20. Coradine and Whittaker : Sawmill situated on Mount Bruce Road, distant about nineteen miles from Masterton, of which fifteen miles is metalled, the remainder is summer dray-road. Supplies are obtained from freehold lands. The output is mostly used in connection with their sash and door factory and general building business ; the remainder is despatched to Wellington market. The proprietors are building contractors, Masterton. 21. A. McLeod : Sawmill situated on Upper Opaki Road, distant about four miles by metalled roads from Dryerton Railway-station. Timber-supplies obtained from freehold lands ; suitable millingtimber in the locality is limited. The output is ordinary building-timber, and the major portion is despatched to Wellington market, and the remainder is utilised for local requirements. 22. J. and G. McHattie : Taueru Sawmill, distant about eight miles by metalled road from Masterton. The mill under notice is well equipped with modern appliances, and has been in active operation for some years. The proprietors acquired cutting-rights over some 3,000 acres of freehold land, and anticipate having sufficient timber to keep the mill going for some four or five years. The output is distributed over surrounding districts and Wellington market, also South Island. 23. Daniell and Co., building contractors : Te Weraiti Sawmill is distant about five miles from Masterton by tramway and metalled road. Milling-timber in view limited ; supplies obtained from freehold land. Output utilised locally in connection with proprietors' ordinary business, which includes sash and door and butter-box factory, Masterton. 24. Mr. H. Daysh : Sawmill situated at Te Whiti, distant about five miles by metalled road from Masterton. The timber-supply in hand and in view is limited, and it is expected operations will cease within a few months from date. The mill under notice may be classed as portable, and the proprietor contemplates removing his plant to Matahiwi, where he anticipates obtaining supplies of rimu sufficient for two years' cutting. Output ordinary building-timber utilised for local requirements. 25. Daniell and Co., building-contractors : Sawmill situated near Gladstone. Portable mill utilised for cutting out isolated clumps of standing bush. Timber obtained from freeholds ; present supply sufficient for two months' cutting ; anticipates obtaining further supplies in the neighbourhood. For further remarks, please see sawmill No. 23. 26. Whiteman and Oliver : Sawmill situated at Longbush. Been now working about seven months, and operated by two portable engines. Supply obtained from land held by Crown tenants. In addition to the above the proprietors have in view further supplies from freeholds in the locality. Output utilised for local requirements, also distributed over a radius of fifteen miles. 27 and 28. Booth and Co., sawmillers and timber-merchants, Carterton : No. 1 sawmill, planingfactory, and timber-yards are situated near railway-station. No. 2 sawmill is situated near Dalefield,

15

C.—6.

distant by tram and road about four miles from Carterton. The above is an old-established business. The milling-bush on freehold is nearly cut out, and the major portion of the present supply is obtained from Crown tenants. The output is mostly despatched to Wellington, and the remainder is utilised for local requirements. 29. Bale and Burt: Portable mill situated within four miles of Martinborough. Access about one mile summer dray-road, the remainder is metalled. The nearest available railway-station, Featherston, is distant about seventeen miles. Timber-supply in hand is equal to about two years' cutting, and is obtained from freeholds. The above mill is mostly engaged in cutting out isolated clumps of standing bush, also sound logs remaining in grassed paddocks. The output is mostly utilised for local building requirements, also order on hand for 300,000 ft. white-pine for Sydney, New South Wales. 30. Greenaway and Co. : Portable sawmill situated near Martinborough, and distant about twelve miles from Featherston Railway-station by metalled road. Timber-supply obtained from freehold lands. Mill recently erected. Supply in hand equal to about three years' cutting. Output distributed locally and surrounding districts, also Wellington market occasionally. The Eastern portion of the district is practically open land, and part only of western portion con • tamed forest, the major portion of which was felled and burned in the ordinary course of settlement, prior to the advent of railways, consequently there is little or no large areas of virgin bush now remaining suitable for milling purposes. It is anticipated that at the present rate of cutting sawmilling as an industry will within seven years be mostly confined to old workings, isolated clumps of standing bush, and sound logs remaining in grassed paddocks. From detailed reports j it will be found the latter source of supply obtains largely at present, and for some years past part of the northern portion of the district's requirements have been received from Hawke's Bay (which province forwards continuously to Wellington per railway large quantities of sawn timber). The most marked feature in the industry is the number of small mills engaged chiefly in cutting out small patches of bush or sound logs remaining in old clearings, and it seems the prospect of one or more years' cutting is sufficient inducement to commence operations or remove the plant to other places. The prevailing practice is for sawmillers to obtain cutting-rights over a number of small adjoining or contiguous areas, freehold or lands held under the Land Acts, and thus secure in the aggregate supplies sufficient for one, two, or more years' cutting. This, with the exception of tramways and employment in broken country of steam-haulers, enables sawmillers to continue operations in places that previously were looked upon as impracticable or inaccessible ; consequently remote or isolated clumps of green or dry bush and sound logs remaining in grassed paddocks, as well as other timber, are now being converted into sawn or marketable timber, that a few years ago were not deemed worthy of attention. From the foregoing it will be seen that the end of sawmilling as an industry is easily within view, and that within, say, ten years, or less, there_will scarcely bejsufficient to meet local requirements.

16

Aoroa Kauri Timber Mill, Northern Wairoa, Auckland.

No. 15.]

No. 16.]

Aoroa Wharf and Shipping, Northern Wairoa, Auckland.

3—C. 6

C—6.

Schedule of Sawmills, Eastern Portion of the Wellington Land District.

17

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horse- Cutting- Number power of capacity of Output per „ OI - Machinery Mill per Annum nanas in Mill. Annum. p j Purpose for which Timber is utilised. 1. Akitio Totara Sawmilling Company (Limited) Section 99, Block V., Waimata South District, Akitio Heads European One-half totara, one-eighth rimu, one - quarter matai, one-eighth kahikatea 25 Sup. ft. 2,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,200,000 15 Local market limited. Output disposed of coastwise by steamer, scow, and other vessels. Timber obtained from freehold, also from settlers under Land Acts. Local requirements— house-building, road-works, &c. Supply obtained from settlers under Land Acts. Local requirements —house-building, road works, &c. Planing and monlding-maehine attached to mill. Supply obtained from settlers under Land Aots. Local requirements —housebuilding, &a. Planing and moulding-machine attached to mill. In operation about two months. Local requirements, also Wellington market. 2. Mr. Sherry Sfction 23, Block II., Mount Cerberus, Waihi Valley Boad Section 7, Block IX., Mount Cerberus, Porigaroa Crown leaseholds .. One-quarter totara, one-half rimu, one-quarter kahikatea 8 500,000 250,000 6 3. Gardner & Yeoman .. • • • One - half rimu, one - eighth matai, three-eighths kahikatea 12 1,000,000 700,000 7 4. Gardner Bros. Section 77, Block IV., Mangahao, Palmerston Truck Section 14, Block IX., Mangahao, Konini European Bimu 22 1,000,000 600,000 5. Berg Bros. Native, also European One-eighth totara, one-half rimu, one-eighth matai, onequarter kahikatea Bimu 10 700,000 301.154 7 6. Hart Udy .. Block XIII., Mangahao, Hukanui Native 25 1,500,000 827,090 18 Building purposes, Wellington market (per railway) also local orders. Planing and mouldingmachine attached to mill. Building purposes, Wellington market (per rail way), also local orders. Mil erected recently in the Waiwera Farm-homestead Block. Land held under Land Acts. Mostly building-timber for local rfquirements, also Wellington market. Suppy obtained from frephold, also settlers under Land Acts. Timber-supply nearly exhausted. Wellington market, also local orders. Planingmachine attached to mill. Supply obtained from freehold land. Cutting on 160 acrea under license from the Wellington Land Board. Planing and mould-ing-machine attached to mill. Timber-supply practically cue out. Building purposes, local requirements, also Wellington market. Timber -supply nearly exhausted. Local and Wellington markets. Building purposes. The supply of timber in hand and in view is limited, and comprises mostly sound logs in grassed paddocks. Supply obtained from freeholds. Wellington and local market. Building purposes. Supply obtained from Native land. Wellington and local markets. Building purposes. Cutting rimu and totara on 200 acres under license from the Wellington Land Board. Wellington market, also local requirements Supplies obtained from settlers under Land Acts, also education reserve. PUning and moulding-machine attached to mill. Wellington market and local buildings. Timbersupply obtained from settlers under Land Acts. 7. Bjurgess and Co., Mirama Mill Sec. 11, Block XIII., Mangahao, Waiwera Farm-homestead Block Section 12, Block I., Mangaone, Kakariki Blook, Hukanui Crown leaseholds .. 25 1,750,000 211,656 16 8. C. J. Barker and Co. European and Crown leaseholds Seven-eighths rimu, one-eighth kahikatea 12 900,000 589,333 13 9. A. Pryde and Son .. Section 8, Block I., Mangaone, Nireaha European One-quarter totara, one-quarter ri m u, one-quarter matai, onequarter kahikatea Ditto 16 1,200,000 682,757 16 10. C. Alberthsen Section 11, Block I., Mangaone, Nireaha Crown 14 960,000 488,117 14 11. W. Lawrence Block II., Mangaone, Hamua Native Bimu 8 500,000 294,430 11 12. Mr. McDonald Section 41, Block V., Mangaone, Newman European 8 500,000 150,000 7 13. J. Stevens Sec. 130, Block XIII., Mangaoae, Hast»-ell Section 1, Block IV., Tararua, Hukanui Native Seven-eigh ths rimu, one-eighth kahikatea One-half totara, one-half rimu 1,200,000 872,915 16 17 14. J. Boy Crown 12 600,000 360,000 12 15. G. Weir Section 9, Block IV., Tararua, Hukanui Crown leasehold and education reserve Seven - eighths rimu, one - eighth kahikatea 12 1,200,000 847,420 17 16. W. Waterson Section 32, Block VII., Tararua, Stirling Farm-homestead Association, Nireaha Crown leaseholds .. Ditto 14 1,200,000 563,985 •20

C—6.

Schedule of Sawmills, Eastern Portion of the Wellington Land District— continued.

18

Whether cutting on , Name of Sawmill. Locality. Crown, European, or Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Jt Native land. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. 1 Horsepower of Maoliinery in Mill. II pen ll Hill lorseiwer of oliinery i Mill. „ ., iNuiuber Cutting- O ( oapacity of Output per Hands Purpose for which Timber in ntilised. r Mill per Annum. emAnnum, ployed. I , __ I 1 17 McKenny and Quin- Section 32, Block VII., Crown leaseholds .. Seven - eighths rimu, oneIan Tararu a, Stirling eighth kahikatea Farm-homestead Association, Nireaha 18. J. Drysdale .. Section 12, Block VII., Crown .. .. Five-eighths totara, two • Tararua, Nireaha eighths rimu, one-eighth kahikatea 19. A. Faulkner .. Section 73, Block IX., European and educa- Rimu Tararua, Kaiparoro tion reserve 20 Coradine and Whit- Section 8, Block XIV., European .. Two-eighths rimu, five-eighths taker Tararua, Kaiparoro, matai, one-eighth rata Mount Bruce Road U. A. MoLeod .. Sec. 41, Block VIII., . ■■ Seven-eighthsrimu, one-eighth Tararua, Upper kahikatea Opaki 22. J. and G. MoHattie .. Sec. 552, Block VII., . .. Five-eighths totara, threeOtahoua, Taueru eighths kahikatea »3. F. Daniell .. .. Blook VI., Otahoua, . .. Ditto Te Weraiti ii. Mr. Daysh .. Block V., Otahoua, Tβ . .. One-half matai, ono-half kahiWhiti katea 25. F. Daniell .. .. Sec. 87, Block XIII., , ..] One-quarter totara, one-eighth Otahoua, Gladstone rimu, one - quarter matai, three-eighths kahikatea Jβ. Whiteman and Oliver Seotionl, Block XIII., Crown leasehold .. One-half matai, one-half kahiHuangarua, Long- katea bush 27. Booth and Co., No. 1 Sec 204, Block VII., - ■■ Three-quarters rimu, oneMill Tiffin, Carterton quarter matai 88. Booth and Co., No. 2 Section 3, Block V., . .. Five - eighths rimu, threeMill Tiffin, Dalefield eighths matai 29 Bale and Burt .. Section 4, Block VI., European .. Three-eighths totara, five - Huangarua, Martin- eighths kahikatea borough Greenaway and Co. Seotion 1, Blook V., ■ • Ditto Huangarua, Martinborough 16 16 20 16 14 16 25 14 22 14 25 22 10 14 1000 000 597,829 14 Wellington market and local buildings. Timbersupply obtained from settlers under Land Aots. 1 200 000 600,000 14 Cutting totara, &c, on 292 acres under license from the Wellington Land Board. Output mostly dimension orders for Government Railway and Wellington market. Planingmachine attached to mill. 1 000,000 650,000 15 Wellington market, also local building orders. Planing and moulding-machine attached to mill. Timber-supply obtained from freehold 400 acres, and education reserve 1,000 acres. 1 200,000 500,000 13 Mesurs. Coradine and Whittaker. Contracting builders, scah and door factory, Masterton. Output utilised for local requirements. Timber obtained from freehold land. 1,200,000 552,*295 15 Ordinary building-timber, Wellington and local markets. Planing machine attached to mill. Timber obtained from freehold land. 1,500,000 750,000 17 Output utilised for building purposes, roads, Ac, in this and other districts; also occasional orders for South Island. Planing-machine attached to mill. Timuer obtained from freehold land. 1 200,000 500,000 , 16 Daniell and Co., building-oontraotors, sash and door and butter-box faotory, Masterton. Output utilised locally. Timber obtained from freeh Id land. 600,000 400,000 11 Building-Umber utilised locally. Timber-supply nearly cut out. 780,000 560,000 I 13 Daniell and Co., buildine-oontraotors, Masterton. Output utilised for local requii ements. Timber obtained from freehold land. 750 000 400,000 12 Supply obtained from land held under the Land for Settlements Acts, 1900 and 1901, as per agreement with the Wellington Land Board. Output utilised for local buildings, also Wei lington market. 2,000,000 1,400,000 42 Booth and Co., timber-merchants, Carterton. Local building orders, also Wellington market. Planing and dressing plant near Carterton. Timber obtained from settlers under Land Acts. 1,000,000 280,000 17 Ditto. 840,000 350,000 10 Bale and Burt, Peatherston. Output mostly utilised locally for building purposes. Order on hand for 300,000 superficial feet white-pine for Sydney, N.S.W. Timber obtained from freehold land. 750,000 327,125 11 Greenaway and Co., Martinborough. Output utilised looally for building purposes, butterboxes, also Wellington market. Timber obtained from freehold land. Totals 483 483 31,730,000 16,806,106 416 31,730,000 16,806,106 416 I I ! —

No. 17.]

The Letland O'Brien Timber Company's Yards, Auckland,

Kauri Timber Company's Mill, Auckland.

So. 18

C—6.

The following sawmills have ceased cutting: —

Sawmills in Active Operation which have been erected or completed since June, 1903: —

Western Portion of Wellington Land District. 1. The northernmost mill is situated on the left bank of the Wanganui River, between Taumarunui and Piriaka. It is owned by Messrs. Ellis and Burnand, who have just about completed cutting totata on 100 acres of Crown land, under license from your Board, The timber cut has been utilised by the Public Works and Railway Departments for sleepers and construction-works ; a small quantity has been disposed of locally for building purposes, &c. This mill is just about cut out, but the firm have secured a large timber area on the other side of the Wanganui River, and are about to erect a large milling plant nearer the river, but on the same side as the present mill, and they intend to build a substantial tram-bridge over the river. A railway-siding has been put in for them near the site of the new mill. The Public Works Department are about to erect a mill plant at Kakahi, on the main trunk line, and will be cutting the timber in what is known as the Waimarino Totara Forest; and the timber cut will be used for their own works, and also for any other Department that may want timber. As the mill is not yet erected, particulars cannot be given. 2. There is one mill at Raetihi, owned by Messrs. Bennett and Punch. It is situated on one of the sections in the township. The timber cut is chiefly rimu, matai, and totara, also a little kahikatea, obtained from settlers' holdings in the locality, and is used locally for building purposes and by the Roads Department. Four hands are employed at this mill, whose cutting-capacity is 750,000 superficial feet per annum, but the annual output is only about 150,000 superficial feet. 3. On the Raetihi-Pipiriki Road at Mangaituroa is situated Messrs. Hatrick and Merson's Mangaituroa Mill. They also obtain their supply of rimu, matai, and a little kahikatea from settlers' holdings. The timber cut is used locally for building purposes and in connection with road-works. A fair quantity is carted to Pipiriki and shipped from there down the river to Wanganui, and sold to builders there. The carting of this timber is very severe on the road, which is not constructed for such heavy traffic, and it causes great inconvenience to settlers and travellers as it makes the road almost impassable in the winter. The small mill at Ohakune has now been closed down, and the owner has left the district. In the Taihape district, on the main trunk railway-line, there are now a number of mills in full operation, and as the line is now open for traffic to Taihape, they all work full time and almost full capacity. 4. At Mataroa Messrs. Smith and Donald have a mill capable of cutting 800,000 superficial feet per annum, but as they cut only for local consumption, and not for export, their annual output is only 150,000 superficial feet. They obtain the logs from settlers' holdings in the locality ; they cut rimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea. When the railway is open to Mataroa they will send timber away to other districts. 5. Near Taihape is situated the Pukenaua Mill, owned by Messrs. Bennett and Jacobsen. The cutting-capacity of this mill is 1,440,000 superficial feet per annum, but they are at present cutting only at the rate of 1,080,000 superficial feet per annum. They expect, however, to be cutting at the mill's full capacity shortly. The timbers cut are rimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea, obtained from Native land and from Crown tenants' holdings. The kahikatea is exported to Sydney. The rest ox

19

Name of ; Sawmill. Section. Block. District. Locality. Output per Annum. Whether catting on Crown, European, or Native Lands. 1. Johnson iaigent Bros. .. irummond and Co. lr. Ewington .. fardner Bros. .. [r. Daysh ic 6 XIV. Mangahao I. J Mangaone XV. ! Kopuarangi I. I Mangaone XVI. i Mikimiki Near Waione Tutaekara Hukanui .. Bideford .. Hukanui .. Opaki Sup. Ft. 198,000 315,000 720,000 225,000 900,000 180,000 2,538,000 European. Native. European. Total ..

4 Name of Sawmill. ! Section. Block. District. J Locality. Ontnnt tier Whether cutting on Annum Crown, European, Annum. or Native Lands. Akitio Totara Sawmilling Company (L'mited) Mr. Sherry Gardner Bros. Burgess and Co. .. 99 V. Waimata South Akitio Heads Sup. Ft. 1,200,000 European. 2 4 7 8 C. J. Barker and Co. 23 77 11 12 II IV. XIII. I. Mount Cerberus Mangahao Mangaone Waihi Valley Road Palmerston track .. Wai wera Farm-home-stead Block Hukanui, Kakariki Farm - homestead Block Newman Hukanui Kaipororo 250,000 600,000 211,656 589,333 Crown leaseholds. European. Crown leaseholds. European, also Crown leaseholds. 12 14 19 20 Mr. McDougal J. Roy A. Faulkner Coradine and Whittaker F. Daniell Mr. Daysh Whiteman and Olivei Bale and Burt Greenaway and Co. 41 1 73 8 V. IV. IX. XIV. Tararua 150,000 360,000 650,000 500,000 European. Crown. European. 23 24 2G 29 30 1 4 1 VI. V. VIII. VI. V. Otahoua Huangarua Te Weraiti Te Whiti Longbush Martinborough 500,000 400,000 400,000 350,000 327,125 6,488,114 Crown leaseholds. European. *" • ■ * • • » Total

c.—6.

the timber is sent to Wellington and Wanganui, and used for building purposes. Thirteen hands are employed at this mill. 6. Near Taihape, and on Native land (Awarua 4c 15), is situated the Taihape Sawmill, owned by Mr. J. H. Knap, who is the pioneer sawmiller here. He has recently gone in for a new up-to-date plant and has moved the mill further into the bush, so that instead of, as before, having to haul the logs a considerable distance to the mill, the sawn timber only is now taken out on the tram. The timber is obtained from Native land, and consists of rimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea. The latter timber is exported to Sydney, and the rest is sent to Wellington and Wanganui and used locally for building purposes and Public Works Department. The cutting-capacity of this mill is 1,200,000 superficial feet per annum, but Mr. Knap has only been cutting at the rate of 250,000 superficial feet per annum up to the present. He expects to be able to cut at the mill's full capacity now the railway is open to here. Fifteen hands are employed. 7. South of Taihape, and in the Village Settlement Extension, is situated the Premier Sawmill, owned by Messrs. Wright and Carter. This mill cuts almost exclusively kahikatea for the Sydney market; a little matai and totara is also cut for local consumption, and sent to Wellington and Wanganui. The timber is obtained from land held under the village-settlement conditions. The annual cuttingcapacity of the mill is 750,000 superficial feet, and it is worked up to its full capacity. Twelve hands are employed. Close to this mill is another one, owned by a Native named Winiata, and called after him. This mill was worked by a European, who got into financial difficulties, and the mill is now closed down. 8. A few miles further north is the Natural Bridge Sawmill, owned by Messrs. Bocher Bros, and Barker. The usual classes of timber (rimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea) are cut here, being obtained from Native-owned land. The kahikatea is exported to Sydney, and the other timbers to Wanganui and Wellington. The cutting-capacity of the mill is 1,680,000 superficial feet. Sixteen hands are employed. 9. Further south, on Native land, and adjoining the Potaka Native Township, is Tamaki Sawmill —B. L. Knight proprietor. The timber for this mill is obtained from Native land on Moawhango River (Awarua 3a No. 2). Mr. Knight has laid down an expensive tram-line from the bush to the mill, a distance of about seven miles. A steel cable is laid down along the tram and a steam-winch is fixed on a trolly. The cable is picked up round a drum on the winch, and the trucks are hauled up shipfashion. This is said to be the first tram of its kind in the colony. I have not seen it work, so cannot say how it answers. Eventually it is Mr. Knight's intention to put a locomotive on this tram. The timber cut comprises totara, matai, and kahikatea, and it is nearly all exported to Sydney—only a small quantity is disposed of in Wellington. The plant is good and complete, capable of cutting 3,300,000 superficial feet per annum, but is not worked up to its full capacity. The annual output is 1,200,000 superficial feet. Eighteen hands are employed. 10. In Potaka Native Township is situated the Utiku Sawmill, owned by Messrs. Perham, Larsen, and Co. This firm has secured a large contract for kahikatea for Sydney, and this is the main timber cut; but a little totara, rimu, and matai is also cut for the Wellington market and for Wanganui; all timber is cut on Native-owned land. The cutting-capacity of this mill is 4,320,000 superficial feet per annum, and the usual output is 3,840,000 superficial feet. Fifty hands are employed. 11. Another mill, owned by Mr. A. F. Gibbs, is also operating in the Potaka Native Township. It has not been named yet. It obtains its supply of timber from settlers' holdings, on the east side of the Hautapu River, across which a tram suspension bridge has been built. The timber cut comprises kahikatea, matai, rimu, and a little totara, and is all sent to Wellington and Wanganui, except the kahikatea, which is sent to Sydney. The actual annual cutting-capacity of the mill is 3,300,000 superficial feet, but the output of it is only about 2,400,000 superficial feet per annum. Twenty-five hands are employed. 12. South of Mangaweka, and about three miles west of Ohingaiti, is the Ohingaiti Sawmill—Messrs. Grice and Gower, proprietors. They obtain their supply of rimu, matai, kahikatea, and totara from freehold land, and dispose of it partly locally and partly to Wellington and Wanganui. They also send kahikatea to Sydney. The plant is capable of cutting 1,680,000 superficial feet per annum, but the actual annual output is 300,000 superficial feet. Fifteen hands are employed. The sawn timber is taken by a horse-tram from the mill to Ohingaiti Station. 13. On Silverhope Estate, near Hunterville, is the Silverhope Sawmill, owned !by Messrs. Whitmore Bros. It is only a small mill, with an annual output of about 600,000 superficial feet, but the plant is capable of cutting 720,000 superficial feet per annum. The timber cut comprises rimu, matai, and kahikatea, and is disposed of locally or sent to Marton. It is obtained on freehold land. Five hands are employed. 14. There is another mill on the Silverhope Estate, near Silverhope Railway-station. It is owned by Messrs. Zajonskawski Bros., and named after them. They cut chiefly rimu and kahikatea, and use it in connection with their sash and door factory in Marton, but a little is sold locally. This mill is capable of turning out 1,440,000 superficial feet per annum, but the actual output is only 960,000 superficial feet per annum. Twelve hands are employed. 15. Near Rata Railway-station is situated the Rata Sawmill, owned by Messrs. Smith, Son, and Auld. This mill is going over bush that was formerly milled by Messrs. Bailey Bros. They are cutting chiefly kahikatea and a little rimu. The former is exported to Sydney, and the rimu disposed of locally or sent to Wanganui. The cutting-capacity of the mill is 1,440,000 superficial feet per annum, and the annual output is 960,000 superficial feet. Fourteen hands are employed. 16. South of Palmerston, near Oroua Bridge, on the Foxton Line, is the Oroua Bridge Mill, owned by Messrs. Adsett, Baigent, and McNabb. They obtain kahikatea and matai from freehold land, and dispose of it locally and in Wellington. The mill is capable of cutting 1,680,000 superficial feet per annum, and the annual output is 1,080,000 superficial feet. Thirteen hands are employed. 17. Messrs. Smith Bros, have a small mill about seven miles from Mangaweka, on the main coachroad. They cut the usual classes of timber on Native land and send it to Wellington and Wanganui, and various stations between. The cutting-capacity of this mill is 1,000,000 superficial feet per annum ; but all this timber has to be carted for seven miles to Mangaweka Station. The annual output is 700,000 superficial feet. This mill is about to be closed down.

20

No. 20.]

Gamman and Co.'s Mill and Yards, Otanga, Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay.

"Hr7~19.]

Bush-felling, Tahoraite, Hawke's Bay.

G.—6.

Schedule of Sawmills.— Western Portion of Wellington Land District.

21

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horse- Cuttingpower of capacity of Output per Maobinery Mill per Annum, in Mill. Annum. Number of Hands employed. Purpose for which Timber is utilised. 1. Waimarino Mill (Ellis and Burnand) Waimarino Block, Block II., Hunua S. D., near Pitiaka Section 262, Raetihi Township Crown lands Rimu and totara bush, almost cut out 14 Sup. Feet. 960,000 Sup. Feet. 960,000 12 Locally, and for Publio Works and Roads Departments. Mill will close down shortly as timber is all out. Locally, and for Roads Department. 2. Baetihi Mill (Bennett and Punch) 3. Mangaituroa Mill (Hatriok and Merson) Section 1, Block V., Makotuku, on main road from Pipiriki to Raetihi Section 1, Block XIII., Ohinewairua, near Matarna Township AwarnaBl >ck, Section 4, IX., Ohinewairua, on the road from Taihape to Mataroa Awarua 4c, 15 Land leased by Crown to Europeans Freehold and educational reserve lease Bimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea 18 15 750,000 1,560,000 150,000 480,000 i 1 Locally, a little exported to Wanganui. Bimu, matai, and a little kahikatea 4. Mataroa Mill (Smith and Donald) Land leased by the Crown to Europeans Native land and on CiO.vn land leased to Europeans Rimu, matai, totara, and kahiKatea 15 800,000 150,000 Locally,[and for Publio Works and Roads Department. 6 5. Pukenana Mill (Bennett and Jacobsen) Ditto 16 1,440,000 1,080,000 13 Locally, for Wellington and Wanganui. Kahikatea exported to Sydney. 6. Taihape Sawmill (J. H. Knap) 7. Premier Sawmill (Wright and Carter) Native land 16 1,200,000 250,000 15 Locally, and for Public Works and Roads Departments, is also sending away to other districts. Locally, aud to Wellington and Wanganui. Kahikatea sent to Sydney. Taihape Village Settlement Extension Land leased by Crown to Europeans Native land Chieflv kahikatea, and a little totara and matai 8 720,000 720,000 12 8. Natural Bridge Mill (Bosher Bros, and Baker) 9. Tamaki Sawmill (B. L. Knight) 10. Utiku Sawmill (Perham, Larsen and Co.) 11. Gibbs's Sawmill (A. F. Gibbs) 12. Ohingaiti Mill (Gower and Grioe) Awarua 4c, 12, on maintrunk road and railway line Awarua 9b. , near Utiku Potaka Native Township Potaka Native Township Omuia Block, Block XVI., Tiriraukawa, near Ohingaiti Section 13, (V.), Ongo, Silverhope Estate Section 24, (V.I, Ongo, Silverhope Estate Near Bata Railwaystation Bangitane Block, near Oroua Bridge Totara, rimu, matai, and kahikatea 12 1,680,000 1,200,000 16 Ditto. Totara, matai, kahikatea 17 3,300,000 1,200,200 18 Exported to Sydney, and a little to Wellington. Crown lands leased to Europeans Freehold land Mostly kahikatea, also rimu, matai. and a little lotara Kahikatea, matai, totara, and a little rimu Rimu, matai, kahikatea, and totara 30 30 4,320,000 3,300,000 3,840,000 2,400,000 50 25 Wanganui, Wellington. Kahikatea sent to Sydney. To Wellington and Wanganui. Kahikatea sent to Sydney. Locally, and to Wellington and Wanganui. Kahikatea sent to Sydney. 16 1,680,000 300,000 15 13. Silverhope Mill (Whitmore Bros.) 14. Zajonskowskie Mill (Zajonskowskie Bros.) 15. Kata Sawmill (Smith, Son, and Auld) 16. Oroua Bridge Mill (Adsett, Baigent and MoNabb) 17. Smith's Mill (Smith Bros.) Native land Bimu, matai, and kahikatea Rimu and kahikatea Chiefly kahikatea, a little rimu 8 12 12 720,000 1,440,000 1,440,000 600,000 960,000 960,000 5 12 14 Locally, and to Marton and Wanganui. Locally, and to Marton. Locally, and to Wanganui. Kahikatea sent to Sydney. Looally, and to Wellington. Freehold land Kahikatea and matai 12 1,680,000 1,080,000 13 Awarua 4c, No. 3, on main road, seven miles from Mangaweka Native land Bimu, matai, kahikatea, and totara 12 1,000,000 700,000 14 Wellington, Wanganui, and intermediate stations on railroad to Wanganui, but principally to Wanganui. Mill is about to out out, and will then be moved. Totals 17,030,000 263 27,990,000 251 • •

C—6.

Central and Southern Portion of Wellington Land District. 1 The most northern mill is situated at Turangarere, close to the main trunk line, and is owned by Messrs Gardner and Sons. They have secured cutting-rights over a considerable area of Native land. Up to the present they have only been cutting for local requirements, as, owing to the bad state of the roads, they have not been able to cart timber to Taihape, the present terminus of the railway. The bush is a first-class one, consisting of rimu, matai, and totara. _ 2 Continuing south down the main trunk road we come to Taihape, where Bartholomew Bros, mill is situated They are cutting entirely on settlers' lands, which are held under lease from the Grown. Royalty is paid to the settlers as the timber is cut at the mill. Most of the timber is sent to Wanganui and Wellington, but all the white-pine is sent to Sydney. 3 Further down the line we come to the Torere Road, where Smith and McKean have built a mill six miles from Utiku. They also have secured the Crown settlers' timber, paying so much per hundred royalty. Matai, totara, and white pine are the principal timbers. Excepting a few small local orders the timber is sent to Wellington market. 4 About three miles east of the last-mentioned mill, and along the same road, Messrs. Gardner and Sons' Moawhango mill is situated. They are cutting on Crown lands and on Crown settlers lands. Here totara is the principal timber, but there is a fair sprinkling of rimu matai, and kahikatea. Nearly the whole of the timber is sent to the Wellington market, but the Public Works, Roads Department, and County Council take totara for bridge and culvert purposes. ~,.,. . rt 5 The next mill is situated on the left bank of the Rangitikei River, just below the junction with the Hautapu River. It is owned by the Manawatu Timber Company, who have secured cutting-rights over about 2 500 acres of Native bush. The timber cut consists of matai, totara, and kahikatea, with a small quantity of rimu. The Rangitikei Gorge intervenes between the mill and the railway and the timber is taken across by means of a truck and cable, and landed close to the railway-line. Ihe whitepine is sent to Sydney, and the totara and matai are sold locally and in Wellington. 6 Following the Rangitikei River south to Mangaweka, and thence about mne miles along the Maneawhariki Road, we find Goodbehere and Eng's Pukerimu Mill. The cutting is carried on part of European and part on Crown settlers' lands. Rimu and matai are the principal timbers cut. Most of the timber is sold in the towns on the West Coast, and a small quantity locally. This mill has been cutting for some time, and in about two years will be cut out. 7 The most southern mill on the Rangitikei River mmy district is Mr. E. McGregor s Orangrpongi Mill situated on the left bank of the Rangitikei, about two miles from the Mangaonoho Railway-station. The'timber is taken across the gorge on a cable, being hauled across by a steam-engine. Ihe cutting includes rimu, kahikatea, totara, and matai, which is mostly sold in the Wellington market. 8 We now leave the Rangitikei Valley and proceed to Apiti, where Mr. Watson has a small mill situated in the Apiti Township. This mill does not cut continuously, and cuts more for local requirements Rimu is the principal timber, and it is all cut from freehold land. 9 About eight miles north-east of Apiti is the Table Flat Mill (Banks and Carruthers). It was recently burnt down, but has been re-erected and is again cutting. The cutting is carried on partly on freehold and partly on settlers' holdings. The timber, which includes rimu and matai, is sold locally and at the various towns along the coast. 10 Proceeding south, we come to the Salisbury Block, in which there are two mills; Mr. Dick s Umuto'i Mill at the north is situated close to the Umutoi Village. It has only been cutting for a few months, the timber, which is principally rimu, being all used locally for house-building purposes. The operations are carried on on Crown settlers' holdings. ~.,,_, a , , v . 11 The mill at the southern end of the block is owned by the Palmerston Sash and Door factory. It has not yet started operations, but will do so shortly, when rimu will be the principal timber cuf Both these mills are about thirty miles from the nearest railway-station (Ashhurst), and will have to pay about 4s. 6d. per hundred cartage, which will severely handicap them m competing with other more favourably situated mills. 12 The next mill reached is the Pohangina Timber Company's mill, situated on the left bank of the Pohangina River, about twelve miles north of the Ashhurst Railway-station. The cutting is being done on Crown lands, the company having purchased the timber from the Crown ; the average price given for the timber being £19 per acre for 62 acres. The cutting includes totara and matai, which is nearly all used in Wellington. ~.«•/, > x> i i 13 Proceeding south to the Manawatu Line, the first mill reached is McGregor s Rangikakau Mill, situated near Fitzherbert West. This mill has a large cutting-area of rimu bush, but it has only lately been erected, and has not yet started cutting. Continuing down the line Shannon is reached, where there are two sawmills owned by Scnmedt and Saunders, and Prouse Bros. . 14 Schmedt and Saunders's Mill is situated on the Shannon Extension. It has been cutting for some considerable time, and is now almost cut out. White-pine is the only timber now being cut, and it is all disposed of in Wellington. 15. Prouse's mill is situated to the west of Shannon Township, and is also nearly cut out. Whitepine is the principal timber cut, but a little rimu is also cut. Both these mills are cutting on freehold lands. ■ _ Further down the line Levin is reached, where there are also two mills, owned by Prouse tiros, and P. Bartholomew respectively.

22

No. 21.1

Hauling Logs (Luxford's Patent), Ngapaeruru Bush, Hawke's Bay.

Messrs. Irvine's Log-hauling Apparatus, Tamaki Bush, Dannevirke Sawmill Company, Hawke's Bay.

No. 92.]

C.—6.

16. The next mill down the coast is the Manakau Sawmill, which is owned by Messrs. Bird Bros. It is situated in North Manakau Road, about two miles and a half from the Manakau Township. Rimu is about the only timber cut, and it is mostly sold locally for building purposes. This mill is not cutting continuously. 17. P. Bartholomew's mill is also situated close to the Levin Station on the west side. The cuttingarea has sufficient timber to keep the mill going for at least ten years. The logs are hauled to the mill by tram-line for a distance of nine miles. The milling-area consists of freehold and Native lands, the principal timber being rimu, with a little white-pine and matai Most of the timber is used in the Wellington market, but a small quantity is sold locally and sent to Palmerston North. 18. Prouse Bros.' mill is situated close to the Levin Station, on the east side. It has been cutting for a great number of years, and is now just about to close down. The cutting-area is freehold land, mostly owned by the owner of the mill. Rimu and matai are the principal timbers cut, but a little totara is also turned out. Nearly the whole of the timber is sent to the Wellington market, a small quantity being used for local house-building purposes. 19. Proceeding further down the coast, the next mill reached is E. Hopkins's Waitohu Mill, situated about three miles from Otaki. This mill has cutting-rights over 1,000 acres of freehold land. The cutting includes rimu and matai, which is used locally and in Wellington. 20. We next come to the Campbell Company's Gorge Mill, which is situated on the Otaki Gorge Road, about six miles east of Te Horo. Rimu is the principal timber cut, and it is mostly used in the Wellington market, a small quantity being sold locally. 21. Continuing south the Mangaone Mill is reached, which is also the property of the Campbell Company. Rimu is the principal timber cut. The cutting-area is freehold country, owned by the company The mill is at present closed down on account of the dull market for timber. 22. Reikorangi is now reached, where Mr. N. Campbell is engaged in re-erecting the Reikorangi Mill, which was lately destroyed by fire. The cutting-area comprises chiefly freehold land owned by Mr. Campbell, but he is also cutting over' Crown settlers' sections. Rimu is the principal timber, but there is also a little matai and white-pine. 23. Travelling east and crossing over the range the Akatarawa Valley is reached. The first mill being Mr. Baigent's Akatarawa Mill, situated about twelve miles from the Upper Hutt. The cutting includes rimu, white-pine, and a little black-birch, all of which is sent to Wellington for sale. 24. Continuing down the valley about four miles we reach Mr. Greenwood's mill, which was lately destroyed by fire, but the new mill is now almost finished. The cutting-area is all freehold land, and the timber consists of rimu principally, with a little black-birch and white-pine. 25. About three miles above the Upper Hutt we come to Reid and Co.'s Akatarawa Mill, which is also cutting on freehold land. The cutting includes rimu, black-birch, and rata. The rimu is sent to Wellington, the rata being used'for arms for telegraph-poles, and the black-birch is sold to the County Council for bridge-decking, &c. ■P 26. Andrews and Moore's Levin Mill, situated about three miles north of Levin. F ;This is a small portable mill, and continually {shifting about. Rimu and white-pine are the principal timbers cut. The cutting-area is freehold land.

23

C.—6

24

Schedule of Sawmills. — Central and Southern Portion of Wellington Land District.

•Tame of Sawmill. Locality. Whether catting on Crown, European, or Natire laud. Varieties of Timber-trees cat. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. Number of Hands employed. Purpose (or which timber is utilised. 1. Turangarere Sawmill (Gardner Bros.) Turangarere Native land Bimu, matai, totara, kahikatea. Chiefly matai and white-pine at present White - pine, matai, totara. Chiefly white-pine 36 Bup. ft. 2,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,000,000 20 j Used locally, Public Works Department being principal customers. 2. Hautapu Steam Sawmill (Bartholomew Bros.) 3. Moawhango Sawmill (Smith & McKean) Taihape, Seotion 50, Oraukura If Crown lands leased to Europeans 25 2,400,000 1,920,000 20 White-pine sent to Sydney, totara and matai sent to Wellington and Waneanui. This mill has only been cutting since March, 1904. Small quantity sold locally, remainder sent to Wellington market. This mill has only been outting since November last. Small quantity sold locallv, remainder sent to Wellington. Only started work in May last. Utiku Distriot, Section 2, Blook XVI., Ohinewairua Pukeokahu Distriot, Seo. 39, Block IV., Hautapu Mangaweka, Awarua Iα, No. 2 West Ditto Totara, matai chiefly, with little white-pine and rimu 16 1,000,000 650,000 13 i. G. Gardner and Sons Leasehold and Crown lands Principally totara, with little kahikatea, matai, and rimu 36 2,000,000 1,500,000 20 5. Kawhatau Sawmill, Manawatu Timber Company 6. Pukerimu Sawmill (Goodbehere and Eng.) 7. Orangipongo Sawmill (E. McGregor) 8. Apiti Sawmill (Mr. Watson) 9. Table Flat Sawmill (Banks & Carruther) 10. Umutoi Sawmill (Mr. Dick) Native land Totara, matai, and white-pine 25 2,200,000 1,750,000 20 White-pine exported outside of colony. Totara and matai sold locally and in Wellington. Bangiwahia, Seo. 24, Blook XVI., Hautapu Otamakapua No. 1, Mangaonoho Apiti Township Leasehold land Bimu, matai principally, little white-pine and totara 16 1,200,000 650,000 13 Sold locally, and in Peilding, Palmerston, Wanganui, and Wellington. Will be cut out in about two years. Sold locally and in Wellington. Freehold and Native Bimu, matai, white-pine, and totara Eimu principally, with little matai and white-pine Bimu and little matai 25 1,560,000 958,000 21 Freehold 8 800,000 120,000 9 Sold about the district. Apiti Distriot, Seo. 25, Blook VIII., Apiti Salisbury Blook, Apiti Distriot Leasehold land, Section 1, Block VII., Umutoi Leasehold land, Section 6, Blook X., Umutoi Crown lands Principally rimu, with a little white-pine 24 8 2,000,000 500,000 800,000 200,000 13 8 Sold locally, and sent to Peilding and Wanganui. Local requirements. 11. Palmerston Sash and Door Faotory Mill Salisbury Blook, Upper Pohangina Distriot Bimu U 2,000,000 Palmerston market. Has been closed down for the last twelve months, but is now about to resume. Wellington Market. 12. Pohangina (Pohangina Timber Company) 13. Bangikakau (McGregor Bros.) 14. Shannon Steam Sawmill. (Schmidt and Saunders) 15. Shannon Mill (Prouse Bros.) Pohangina Valley Matai and totara 18 2,000,000 1,200,000 12 ! Pitzherbert West European Bimu only 15 1,800,000 The mill is only being erected, and has not yet started work. Used in Wellington market and looal sales. Shannon Township, Manawatu White-pine only 21 1,500,000 1,100,000 20 Section 704, Block XI., Mount Robinson, Shannon Manukau, Section 10, Blook VII., Waitohu White pine and little rimu .. 20 1,250,000 720,000 12 About half expirted, remainder sold locally and in Wellington. 16. Manukau Steam Sawmill (Messrs. Bird Bros.) * * * Bimu only 16 1,200,000 480,000 8 Chieflv local requirements. Small quantity sent to Wellington.

Hauling Log across Manawatu River, Totara Sawmills, Oringi, Hawke's Bat. No. 23.]

No. 23.]

No. 24."

Log-hauling (Luxford's Patent), Totara Sawmill, Oringi, Hawke's Bay.

25

C—6

4—C. 6

17. Weraroa Mill (P. Bartholomew) 18. Levin Mill (Prouse Bros.) 19. Waitohu Sawmill (E. Hopkins) Levin, Weraroa Township Ditto European, Native, and Crown European Bimn and little white-pine .. 48 2,500,000 1,500,000 40 Chiefly Wellington market. Small quantity sent to Palmerston. Chiefly Wellington market. Small quantity sold along Manawatu line. Now out out. Sold locally and in Wellington. Rimu and matai and little totara Rimu and matai 25 2,000,000 776,000 12 Otaki, Section 1, Pukehou, 5l, Waitohu Survey District Te Horo, Section 2, Block VIII., Kaitawa 16 1,500,000 1,000,000 24 20. Gorge Mill, Sec. 2, Block VIII., Kaitawa (Campbell Co.) 21. Mang aone Mill (Campbell Co.) 22. Rikiorangi (N. Campbell) 23. Akatarawa Sawmill (M. Baigent) Rimu 25 2,500,000 ■2,000,000 30 Wellington market. Te Horo, Section 18, Block VII., Kaitawa Waikanae, Section 6, Block X., Kaitawa Upper Hutt, Sec. 380, Block VI., Akatarawa Upper Hutt, Seo. 366, Block X., Akatarawa Upper Hutt, Sec. 355, Block XIV., Akata25 1,200,000 Closed at present owing to dull market. Leasehold and Euro pean European 40 2 500,000 1,700,000 25 Wellington market. This mill was lately burnt down, but will start again shortly. Locally and in Wellington market. Rimu, blaok-bireh, and little white-pine 18 1,000,000 600,000 !3 24. Akatarawa Mill (Mr. Greenwood) Rimu, birch, and little whitepine 12 800,000 500,000 10 Locally and in Wellington. 25. Akatarawa Mill (Reid & Co.) Rimu, black-birch, and rata.. 26 600,000 500,000 14 Locally and in Wellington market. 26. Andrews and Moore rawa Levin Rimu and white-pine 10 000,000 400,000 8 ! Used for building purposes along the Manawatu line. Totals 578 40,610,000 I 22,024,000 j 385

C.-6.

SUMMARY FOR WELLINGTON DISTRICT.

MABLBOBOUGH. There are sixteen mills in active work, the output from them now averaging 9,552,000 superficial feet per annum. Four of the mills are cutting timber all from Crown Lands, three are cutting partly on Crown Lands and (partly on private lands, and the remaining nine obtain their timber entirely from private lands. The amount of each variety of timber cut can be ascertained from those mills which cut all their timber from off Crown Lands, but there would be some difficultyin obtaining the quantities from the others, as it could hardly be expected that private millowners would go through their books for twelve months work to ascertain the amount of each kind of timber cut. None of the timber cut in Marlborough is exported by the millowners ; other districts within the colony supplied from here are Lyttelton, Timaru, Cheviot, Nelson, and Wellington. Five of the mills named in the schedule have only been in active operation a short time ; these are Mountain Camp Mill, Clinton Mill, Okoha Mill, Puhipuhi, and Ronga Mills, the output from which lias increased the average annual output by 2,594,000 superficial feet. The industry employs directly 202 hands, sustaining about nine hundred souls. Two more mills will shortly be erected, one in the Wakamarina Valley (Mr. William Lodge) and the other in the Rai Valley (Mr. Bryant's), one now working is likely to be closed down (Messrs. Pullman and Bryant's, Resolution Bay). The timber principally cut is rimu; nextTi in-order, kahikatea ; and then matai. Totara is becoming very scarce. Beech is only cut for railway-sleepers and bridge-work.

26

ICHEDULE OF lAWMILLS. District. Number of Mills. Horse-power. Cutting-capacity per Annum. Number of Output per Annum. \ Hands employed. Eastern portion of.. Western „ Central and Southern portion of 30 17 26 483 263 578 Sup. Ft. 31,730,000 27,990,000 40,610,000 Sup. Ft. 16,806,106 17,030,000 22,024,000 416 251 385 Totals 73 1,052 1,324 100,330,000 55,860,106 Approximate Eetuen of Milli: g-timbeb in the wellington land dlstric Year 1904. FOR THE I Totara. Bimu. Kahikatea. Matai. Miscellaneous. Totals. Crown land — Eastern District Western Distriot 6,962,500 157,695,200; 24,481,250 11,916,373,800 2,000,000 512,894,700: 7,110,000 906,248,600 1,566,250 999,129,000 42,120,00< 4,492,340,801 Total 164,657,700 1,940,854,551 514,894,700 913,358,600 1,000,695,250 4,534,460,801 Native land — Eastern District Western District 125,000 179,812,000 5,015,000 2,008,675,500 125,000 1,037,967,000 435,000 755,636,000 5,700,000 4,608,324,400 626,233,900 Total 756,071,000 4,614,024,400 179,937,000 2,013,690,500 626,233,900 1,038,092,000 Freehold and leaseholdEastern District Western District 10,925,000 43,730,000! 13,150,000 824,260,000 8,000,000 135,400,000 5,487,500 211,680,000 312,500 223,430,000; 37,875,000 1,438,500,000 Total 54,655,000! 837,410,000 143,400,000 217,167,500 223,742,500 1,476,375,000 Summary. Totara. Eimu. Eabikatea. Matai. Miscellaneous. Totals. Crown .. .. .. 164,657,7001,940,854,550 Native.. .. .. 179,937,000 2,013,690,500 Freehold and leasehold .. 54,655,000 837,410,000 514,894,700 626,233,900 143,400,000 913,358,600 1,038,092,000 217,167,500 1,000,695,250 756,071,000 223,742,500 4,534,460,800 4,614,024,400 1,476,375,000 Grand totals 399,249,700 4,791,955,050 1,284,528,600 2,168,618,100 1,980,508,750 10,624,860,200 Schedule of Steam Factories. No. Name. Locality. Description. Number of bands employed. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 C. R. Daniell and Co. Castleberg and Go. .. Hartman and Hoar.. Coradine and Whittaker Everden and Prentice A. H. Wallis D. T. King R. W. Fairbrother .. W. J. Berrill H. Trotman W. Benton Masterton Carterton Sash and door and box factory Furniture-factory Sash and door and box factory Planing and moulding faotory Building, joinery, &c. Sash and door factory Butter and cheese box factory 19 15 11 11 6 3 3 3 4 4 4 Greytown North Featherston n Building, joinery, &c. Sash and door factory

No. 25.]

Dannevirke Sawmill Company's Tamaki Mill (W. T. Irvine), Hawke's Bay.

No. 26.]

Tiratu Sawmill Company's No. 2 Mill (Knight's), Tiratu, Hawke's Bay.

27

a—6.

Schedule of Sawmills.-Marlborough Land District.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees out. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. Number of Hands employed. ,.,,„„ Pnrpose f °r which Timber is utilised ■ (c.) For Export outside the Colony. Pelorus Sawmill (Messrs. Brownlee and Co.) Wakamarina (Messrs. Smart and Lodge) Ronga (Robertson Bros.) Havelock Wakamarina Crown Totara, kahikatea, rimu, and matai Totara, kahikatea, rimu, matai, and beech Totara, kahikatea, rimu, matai and beech Kahikatea, matai, and beech.. 1 60 Sup. ft. 4,800,000 Sup. ft. ) 3,252,000 ) 64 (a) 600,000 ; (b) 2,652,000, mostly sent to Lyttelton and Timaru ; (c) nil * (a) 400,000, (6) nil, (c) nil. 16 700,000 ) J 400,000 ) 12 Rai Valley .. 12 Onamalutu (Charles White) Taranui (I. Bratli) Rai Valley (Nees and McLean) Mountain Camp (F. A. Smart) Kenepuru Sawmill Company (W. Reeves) Crail Bay (Pulman and Sons) Resolution Bay (Pullman and Bright) Long Valley (W. Cate).. Onamalutu 700,000 • 700,000 • 12 I (a) Nil, (6) 700,000 sent to Nelson, (c) nil. Private European 20 936,000 Crail Bay .. Rai Valley .. .'. European 70 acres Crown, rest on private European European I 450,000 I 13 (a) 450,000, [b) nil, (c) nil. Wakamarina Beech ; very little other kinds Rimu, matai, totara, kahikatea, and beeoh Bimu, matai, and kahikatea.. 8 16 500,000 1,200,000 100,000 600,000 3 7 ssm i sas , B? wi,,h *--»-- 15 1,200,000 700,000 6 (a) 700 000, (6) nil, ( c ) uU . H as only started a / ,, o™'n lme ' 9 uantiti es estimated only (a) 200,000, (6, 240,000 (railway sleepers), (o) nil Kenepuru, Pelorus Sound Pelorus Sound Rimu and beech 12 1,000,000 440,000 8 Beech 15 1,000,000 400,000 6 Queen Charlotte Sound 12 (a) Nil, (6) 400,000 (railway sleepers), (c) nil. Near Havelock 400,000 200,000 3 («) Nil, (6) 200,000 (railway sleepers), (c) nil. Crown Rimu, matai, kahikatea, and totara Rimu, matai, and totara 8 626,000 Jordan (W. Laugesen) .. Kaikoura Partly on private land and partly on Crown land Private land at present. Will soon out on Crown lands Private land 600,000 11 (a) 600,000, (6) nil, ( c ) nil. 14 1,000,000 356,000 11 (a) 200,000, (b) 156,000, (c) nil. Clinton (W. Laugesen) .. 9 360,000 274,000 9 (a) 274,000, (6) nil, (c) nil. Okoha (R. Climo) Anakoa Bay Rimu, matai, and kakikatea.. 17 400,000 320,000 Nydia Bay (PughBros.).. Pelorus Sound 10 (a) Nil, (6) 320,000, (c) nil. Puhipuhi (J. A. Boyd) .. Kaikoura .. Rimu, beech, white - pine, and matai Rimu, matai, totara, and white-pine 8 10 300,000 600,000 160,000 3 (a) 160,000, (b) nil, (c) nil. Total 600,000 14 (a) 100,000, (b) 500,000, (e) nil. .. •• 252 15,722,000 9,552,000 202

C—6.

NELSON. Number of mills: on Crown lands, 12 ; on European lands, 37 ; on Crown land and endowments (European), 4 ; on coal reserve, 5 ; total, 58. Output per annum : Black-birch, 560,820 superficial feet; silver-birch, 19,220 superficial feet; kawaka, 700 superficial feet; matai, 755,160 superficial feet; silver-pine, 51,499 superficial feet; whitepine, 1,940,000 superficial feet; yellow-pine, 741,246 superficial feet; rimu, 8,910,887 superficial feet; rata, 7,719 superficial feet; totara, 204,556 superficial feet; total 13,191,807 superficial feet. Cutting-capacity of the fifty-eight mills per annum : 55,333,200 superficial feet. Area of timber lands: Crown, 5,934 acres ; European, 12,865 acres ; Westport Coal Eeserve, 1,562 acres : total area held, 20,361 acres. Mills : 48 with steam-power, power ; 10 with water-power, 107-horse power : totals, 58, with 675|-horse power. Hands employed, 334 ; horses, 148 ; bullocks, 155 ; miles of tramway in use, 43|. Mills working for local purposes, houses, railways, or roads .. .. .. 42 Mills working for local purposes and other districts .. . . .. 14 Mills working for another district .. . . . . .. .. 1 Mills, no output as yet .. .. .. .. .. . • .. 1 Total 58

28

No. 27.]

Messrs. Gammon's Otanga Sawmill and Yard, Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay.

No. 28.]

Rimu Log, Poverty Bay.

C—6.

Schedule of Sawmills.— Nelson Land District.

29

Name of Mill-owner. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Natiye, or European Land. Quantity cut of eaoh Class of Timber. Output per Annum, Number of Sleepers inclusive. Cutting- l d o § capacity *■$ £" of Mill °5 s> $ per S k h £ Annum. S° | £ g O H la "3 -d S"® Number Miles of ■g 5 3 of Horses or Tramway §«§■ Bullocks. in Use. I 1 Purpose for which Timber is used: (a.) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in connection with Railway and Road Works ; (f>.) Sending to another District; (c ) For Export outside the Colony. I G. P. Bryan Cape Poulwind, Block I., Steeples Westport, sawmill license, Block IV., Steeples Cape Poulwind, Block II],, Steeples Westport, sawmill license, Block III., Steeples Birchfield, Block II., Kawatiri Black water, Block XII., Mawheraiti Blackwater, Blook VIII., Mawheraiti Three Channel Plat, Block III., Inangahua Ikamatua, Block XI., Mawheraiti Karamea, Block XIV., Oparara Addison'e, Block II., Waitakere Karamea, Block IX., Oparara Sergeant's Hill, Block VIII., Kawatiri Larry's Creek, Block II., Reefton Reefton, Block X., Reefton Crown Superficial Peet. 36,894 silver-pine, 967,498 rimu Sap. Ft. Sl'p'rs. 1,004,392 1,536 Sup. Ft. 2,640,000 679 3 41 30 Steam 14 5 horses 1J miles (6). 5 miles of tramway on license. (a). 3 miles of tramway on license. Bowater and Bryan 1,760 black-birch, 14,605 silverpine, 446,480 rimu 462,845 635 1,590,000' 74 1 10 16 V2 4 . 14 . G. G. MoKay 84,732 yellow-pine, 507,644 rimu 592,376 3,684 624,000 512 21 lie, 2 21ic.,4 ) 41 14 4 6 . 2 . (a) and (b). 6 miles of tramway on license. (a). 3 miles of tramway on license. J. and W. Harris .. 70,000 rimu, 1,596 rata 71,5961 .. 1,650,000 380 18 6 2 . 2 . E. and J. Griffiths ..• Crown (150a.) and European(500a.) Crown 132,654 black-birch, 299,893 rimu, 6,123 rata, 4,215 totara 65,228 yellow-pine, 9,359 rimu .. 442,885 .. 1,000,000 650 , 20 Water 5 3 . (a). ■• 13 Hannah and Boss .. 74,587 2,836 2,836 800,000 200 ) 40 10 Steam 3 4 1 . (a). G. Perotti.. 18,899 black-birch, 160 black-pine, 8,736 yellow-pine, 192,051 rimu 11,600 black-birch. 29,000 rimu .. 219,846 .. I 1,800,000 700,000 300 321 ) 42 15 Water 6 1 1 . (a). 3 miles of tramway on license, (a). J mile of tramway through freehold. J. Dβ Pillippi Crown (20a.) and European(301a.) 40,600 .. . 40 12 4 5 . Nil Bowater and Bryan , Crown 2,000 black-biroh, 17,500 rimu .. 19,500 .. l,800,000J 596 i 40 16 Steam 10 5 i mile (a) and (6). Using steamhauler in bush. 7 h.p. (a). B. Blackburn 1,000 rimu 1,000 .. 350,00o| 298 I 40 7 Water i 2 Nil W. Gibson 127,300 yellow-pine, 8,533 rimu .. 135,833 5,150 5,150: 600,000, 400 1 40 9 . 4 3 . 1$ miles (a). Cutting sleepers prinoipally. Probably (a) and (6). This mill is about to commenoe work. Probably (a). This mill is about to commenoe work. W. H. Walker .. I " I Nil .. Nil l,50O,O00i 94! : 42 16 Steam i 4 Nil Nil J. Monigatti Nil 1,400,000 200 41 15 Water 2 Nil 5 chains J. MoMahon 700 kawaka, 28,662 yellow-pine .. 29,362 1,294 1,294 160,000J 640 42 6 1 horse Nil (a). Cutting sleepers principally. (a). 2 E. Lockington Crown (691a.) and European (50a. O.E.P.) Crown and European Westport Colliery Reserve 11,300 brown-birch, 19,220 silverbirch 30,520 .. 1,100,000 741 42 12 Steam 10 6 bullocks, 6 horses 2 miles Karamea Sawmilling Company (Limited) S. and J. Marris Karamea .. .. ( 1,920,000 1 1,400 1,400 7 7 to 21 20 4 1 horse Nil 12 h.p. hauling engine. Mill just commenced operations. (a) and (b). 3$ miles of tramway on license, using 6 h.p. steam hauler in bush. (a) and (6). Using 7 h.p. steamwinch to haul on tram to railway. Mokihinui, Block 1 XI., Mokihinui 383,027 rimu 383,027 .. 1,872,000 400 400 41 20 7 3 horses If miles J. Hobbs .. Ngakawau, Block III., Ngakawau Ditto 5,017 black-birch, 395,216 yellowpine, 142,268 rimu 542,50114,964 14,964 400,000 762 762 39 8 18 6 . 3J .

d-6

30

Schedule of Sawmills.— Nelson Land District— continued.

Name of Mill-owuer. Locality. Whether cutting , on Crown, Natire, or European Land Quantity cut of each Class of Timber. Output per Annum, Number of Sleepers inclusive. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. i? SS is o If n la a a o S5 « Number of Horses or Bullocks. Miles of Tramway in Use. Purpose for which Timber is used: (a.) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in connection with Railway and Road Works ; <b.) Sending to another District; (c ) For Export outside the Colony. R. T. Watson Ngakawau, Block II., Ngakawau Seddonville, Block XV., Mokihinui Mokihinui, Block XV., Mokihinui Four-mile River, Block IX., Waitakere Charleston, Block VI., Waitakere Murchison, Block II., Tutaki Westport Col- ! liery Reserve Superficial feet. 23,590 black-birch, 46,634 rimu, 341 totara 14,000 black-birch, 8,000 rimu .. Sup. Ft. I 70,565| Sl'p'rs.j Sup. Ft. I 1,200,000 200 6 10 Steam 8 2 horses 1J miles (a). State Coal-mine, Seddonville D. P. Mumm 22,OOOi 300,000 6 Nil Nil I . (a). Cutting timber for use of mine only, (a). Using 4 h.p. steam hauler in bush. (a). Company being formed to work bush on a large scale. 2,000 black-birch 2,000 400,000 200 39 S 3 1 horse 17 chains Maxwell and Mann.. European freehold 31,372 yellow-pine 31,3721 1,364 187,200 400 18 6 Water 2 2 horses 10 „ 3. P. Mitchell Ditto 7,000 black-biroh, 12,000 rimu .. 19,000 400,000 100 9 2 Nil (a). Very little demand for timber from this mill. {a). Taken also timber off 150 acres of other lessees for the cutting. (a). 2 3. Downie 11,000 black-birch, 23,000 whitepine 34,000 1,000,000 22 10 Steam 5 3 „ J. Bell Murchison 10,000 black-pine, 18,000 whitepine Nil .. 28,000 400,000 i! 200 8 2 2 „ W. Simpson Karamea, Block IX., Oparara European lease in perpetuity Nil 800, OOOl 47 L.I.P. 10 4 2 „ (a) probably. This mill just commencing operations; rimu chiefly. (a). E. Lockington Cronadon, Block V., Reefton Upper Moutere European freeh'd 110,000 white-pine 110,000 1,000,000; 12 5 30 chains •• Nil T. Stade leaseh'd 145,000 rimu 145,0001 590,000 300 4 6 5 6 „ 1 mile (a). Cuts only seven months of the year. (a). Cuts only part of the year ; supplies also a little bridge timber. (a). Cuts only half time. Supplies also fruit-cases. (a). Cuts part of the year on royalty on freehold lands. (a). (a). Cuts part of the year, Estate of J. Hewetson I freeh'd I 50,000 white-pine, 40,000 rimu, 20,000 totara 110,000 900,000 I 200 10 10 5 5 Nil Hewetson and Feece leaseh'd 134,000 white-pine, 130,000 rimu, 20,000 totara 30,000 black-pine 284,000 600,000; 300 4 6 3 6 Coleman Bros. Motupiko freeh'd 30,000 750,000 I 8 3 3 W. Anglesey, jun. .. Quinney Bros. Price Bros. Holland and Thomas Tadmor Tadmor, Glen Rae .. Belgrove leaseh'd freeh'd 130,000 rimu 20,000 white-pine, 100,000rimu.. 270,000 rimu 50,000 black-pine, 50,000 whitepine, 200,000 rimu 50,000 black-birch, 150,000 rimu 130,000 120,000 270,000 300,000 600,000; 900,000; 1,050,000 1,200,000 • 250 350 200 250 2 5 2 to 3 7 to 8 6 9 12 14 3 2 3 9 6 bullocks 6 horses 6 bullocks 10 7 horses 4 bullocks 60 chains Nil 1 mile T. A. Price European leasehold Ditto 200,000 900,000 400 3 to 4 10 3 15 chains (a) and bridge timber. Baigent Brothers .. 20,000 black-biroh, 40,000 blackpine, 100,000 rimu 480,000 rimu 160,000 blaok-birch, 160,000 blaokpine, 640,000 rimu 280,000 rimu 160,000 1,050,000; 700 7 to 8 12 3 10 Nil («) F. Curran G. A. Baigent Pigeon Valley, Wakefield Thorpe, Dovedale .. V * * 480,000 960,000 1,050,000 1,350,000 250 850 6 12 16 9 8 8 12 J mile 50 chains (a). (a). A few sleepers. H * • . 7. Baigent •280,0 0 900,000 200 1 5 10 4 6 . I Nil

C.-6.

31

FdwardT " ! taD,eyBr00k • E h^ anlea8e - 30 pre,K^ 30^ b,aCk -: 000 • l '™>™ ™\ » » «-| ■ 6bu.loc k 20 chains <a). started, on,y been B - M ° tUeka •• 5 0 p 000 b , a e k . pin e, 150> 000 white- 2 00,000.. 750,000 Hi. 8 4hc.es 15 . f^tS^ST^ pine, 100,000 rimu, 100000 to- " ' 6 6. 30 chains (a) and (6) bridge timber (local), M Whico t> i. •„ tara telegraph-poles Nelson and Co" ' • 65 'Z,T^L 65 '°°° 1TO '«» ■ -.000 270 4i 10 . 8 Ni l 35 ,, 7 h.p. BB t tt " LOng?Iain8 ' Takaka ' • white-pine, 350,000 r imu 50(J ,000 .. 900,000 B50 10 Iβ 10 £%S& > . (a) and W Christchurch. HyfandandKirk V. «>•«» -^^f" 6 ,' 000 rimu *«>•«» ■• 600,000 140 3 5J . 5 Nil (a> - 0^ 540 ' 00 ° • 1 ' 50 °' 000 55 ° 5 - 20 : n I* iaUd W Christchurch. Wal k erBros. . Bainha., Aorere .. .. . 300,000 . 1.00 000 53 8 to 9 Iβ , fal AMakMA h h C L Grant pine, 100,000 rimu '^ U,UUU •*«> « to 9 lfa 4 3,. 1 . (a) and (6) Chnstchuroh. 6 h.p. WG t ■ 300,000 r imu 500,000 .. 750,000 60 * U . B 2 „ . . 1 2 h.p. „,",■ Bonny Docn,Ao r ere . .00,000 white-pine, 300,000 ri mU .500,000.. 1, 2 00,000 180 * 1 2 0 .. J. -d A t' ' UPPerTakSka - • 400,000 .. x.w.000 „ . M . 2 horse8 2 „ ,^^^^^6^: JR e8t ' R1WakaValley 360,000.. 750,000 400 4 8 S 1 2 buHoc.s 10 chains U^ h^ HealTl MOtUeka " • 18 0,000 .. 600,000 25 3 tc 4 8 |w-* 3 S SZL Nil W and f ruit-ca 9 es. JL " N88timOti ■• 90,000 whHe-pine, 180,000.. 600,000 85 ■ 8 Steam 5 2 fiSlSi. Nil W and leases. .: r n re h d e ValS tUeka ' • 60,000 white-pine, 70,000 rimu .. 180,000.. 750,000 45O8tclO 10 . , 6 bu.Tocks 25 chains (a, and fruit-cascs 750,000 500 3 8 . 6 6. Nil (a) Just started. Matai chiefly. a ■ . •) horses blaok-pine, 51499 silver pine ° 148 horses 4 2 chains no output, 10 steam haulers; 741,246 yellow-pine, 1,940,000 . total h -P- 73 - white - pine, 8,910,887 rimu, — 7,719 rata. 20jl,556 totara ♦ For three months.

C—6.

WESTLAND. Westland, on the whole, is favourably suited for the timber industry, as it is abundantly wooded and has natural advantages in water-power. Against this may be set its isolation and want of means of communication and transit. Practically only the northern part of the district is available so far, comprising the area from the Grey River to the Hokitika Eiver. There are fifty-one mills now at work in the district, and of these only three are outside the above area. The largest mills are situated on the railway-lines, ReeftonGreymouth, Otira-Greymouth, and Grey-Hokitika. Around Lake Brunner there is a wide extent of milling-country, on which mills, owned by Messrs. Laurie and Wallace, Craig and Sheedy, Nyberg Bros., and R. Stratford and Qo. have been working constantly for some time past. Another mill has lately been erected by Messrs. Morris and Co., Christchurch. These mills are cutting red-pine for export to the other districts in New Zealand. The chief use is for building purposes ; but a quantity is made up by cabinetmakers and the larger furniture-manufacturers. The mills also cut large quantities of white-pine, which is exported chiefly to Australia for the manufacture of butter-boxes. The increased demand for this has practically kept the mills going full time at the dull season. The silver-pine cut is for railway-sleepers, bridge-building, and telegraph-poles. Further down the same line are mills owned by Messrs. Jack Bros., Waller, England, and Co., Stratford, Blair and Co., &c. These mills are all cutting the same class of timber and for the same purposes. The mills on the Reefton line are much smaller and fewer than the above. This is owing to the fact that the class of timber lands is not so good. These mills are mostly cutting silver-pine for sleepers. The mill owned by Mr. Erickson at Orwell Creek is cutting timber for Messrs. Strange and Co., Christchurch, for their furniture-factory. On the Grey-Hokitika line we have Messrs. Butler Bros., Stratford and Co., Morris, Westland Sawmill Company, G. D. Wilson and Co., Lincoln Bros., and J. C. Malfroy and Co. These comprise the larger mills, and are all cutting the above varieties of timber and for the same purpose. A few mills at Kumara are cutting for the mining claims, such as props for underground workings, blocks for paving sluice-boxes and tail-races, and generally for timber required at the mine. At Hokitika Messrs. Perry and Hegan have started a large sawmill, and others are awaiting completion of the Ross Railway to commence work. Messrs. Chapman and Stuart have opened at Waitaha, but are much hampered by the distance from a port, &c. Further south, near Okarito, Mr. L. Zala has a small mill; but, so far, his sleepers are lying at Okarito. The bar there is practically unworkable at present. This leaves practically three-fourths of Westland untouched as regards its timber. Some few mills make use of water-power, but the majority use steam. A great advantage would be the utilisation of electricity, as ample power is available for same. Taken as a whole, the three classes of timber, as mentioned above, comprise the chief of the Westland timbers. Isolated r patches of black-birch and totara occur, but are not of any great extent.

32

No. 29.1

"Jacking " Logs to the Sledges, Taranaki.

No. 30.

Sledging Logs out to Horse-tram Line, Taranaki.

33

C—6

Schedule of Sawmills.— Westland Land District.

Same of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttine Number Purpose for which Timber is utilised: i..™rit,fnf nn ,.,,t „„ of (a.) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in conJtnfner 0 S' Hanas nectionwithBailway and Road Works; Aonum - em- (b.) Sending to another District; annum. ployed, (c.) For Export outside the Colony. 1. Wallace .. 2. Nyberg 3. Craig and Sheedy .. 4. Morris 5. Jack Bros. I 6. Lowe, Boyd, and Co. 7. Baxter Bros. Q 8. Boberts and Co. 9. Stratford and Blair.. * 11. R. Stratford 12. Stratford and Blair.. 13. Peary and Hallahan 14. Marshall .. 15. Hahn 16. Nyberg 17. Tymons .. 18. Hamer ... 19 Sadler 20. Fisher 21. Perotti 22. Brickson .. 23. Government 24. Easson 25. Stratford and Co. .. 26. Butler 27. Morris 28. G. Wilson .. 29. McCannon 30. Watson 81. McGrath .. 32. Westland Sawmill Company 33. G. Wilson 34. Mollroy .. 35. Lincoln Bros. 36. 37. Malfroy .. 38. Webb 39. Smith 40. Perry .. 41. Potts and Co. 42. Stuart and Co. 43. Hansen and Co. 44. Mardon and Co. 45. Grant 46. Grimmond 47. Stewart and Co. 48. Zala 49. Baxter Bros. 50. Olderog 51. K. TamineUi Inchbonnie Moana Te Kinga .. Moana Kotuku Kokiri '.'. Kaimata Moana Arnold Sdg. Ikamatua .. Totara Mat.. Ahaura Ngahere "European Crown European Crown Crown and European Crown European Crown andEuropean Crown European Crown and European Crown Crown and Freehold Crown Red and white pine Bed, white, and silver pine .. Red pine Bed and white pine Red and silver pine Red and white pine Red and silver pine.. Red and white pine .. j Red-pine .. Reft and silver pine .. j Red, black, and silver pine .. Red and white pine •■ j H • • Red-pine Red and white pine 34 25 16 25 30 32 16 16 20 16 30 12 16 8 9 16 16 25 6 8 11 30 16 13 25 16 20 20 16 14 16 20 Sup. fc ) 2,400,000 3,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000 2,880,000 1,920,000 1,820,000 3,200,000 2,600,000 2,880,000 2,100, 000 1,000,000 900,000 1,500, 000 1,920,000 2,300,000 2,500,000 480,000 960,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 960,000 I 2,600,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 1,900,000 1,200,000 I 1,500,000 2,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,630,900 3,111,596 710,675 300,000 j 3,013,846 1,369,192 2,077,667 1,000,000 1,808.696 2,000,000 1,920,000 1,000,000 157,029 34,200 496,989 126,520 260,018 1,000,000 168,862 246,753 200,000 57,630 620,000 260,000 1,200,000 1,001,105 1,200,000 18 24 15 10 22 21 14 14 20 16 26 12 8 10 6 15 20 14 4 8 6 4 15 8 24 14 10 15 3 5 6 10 Utilised for (a) and (i>). „ (b) and (c). (i>) and (c). (i>) and (c). (b) and (c). (i>) and (e). (6) and (c). (a), (i>), and (c). (a) and (b). (b) and (el. (6) and (c). (a). (a). (i>) and (c). 16) and (c). (6) and (c). (6) and (c). (a). (a). (a). „ (a) and (6). „ (a) and (6). (a), (b), and (c). (as) and (i>). Crown and European Crown Blackball !! Orwell Creek State Coal-mine European Crown Greymouth .. Gladstone .. Kumara European Crown and European Crown n - - - • 150,000 146,000 500,000 526,600 (a). (a). (a) and (i>). (a), (i>), and (c). Kapitea Loopline Stafford Flowery Creek Haw Haw .. Hokitika .. Koiterangi .. South Spit .. Woodstook .. Rimu European Crown and European Crown Crown and European Red-pine Red and white pine Red-pine Red and white pine .. ! Rimu and silver pine .. j Red and silver pine .. j Red pine 20 8 14 30 40 20 8 20 10 8 16 16 20 20 12 12 18 20 8 ! 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 750,000 1,750,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 600,000 i 2,500,000 1,920,000 750.000 754,000 312,000 200,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 500,000 80,000 800,000 103,297 500,000 500,000 500,000 607,168 I 150,000 350,000 54,506 290,900 600,000 651,626 14 6 11 17 20 14 4 6 10 18 4 4 5 4 14 6 16) and (c). (as). „ (asl and (b). (as) and (i>). „ (as), (b), and (c). (a), (i>), and (c). „ (a) and (i>). „ (a) and (b). (as) and (f>). „ (a) and (i>). „ (a), (b), and (c). (as), (6), and (c). (a). (a). (a) and (b). {a) and (b). [a) and (6). Mahinapua .. Marsden Ross Mikonui Okarita Arahura Crown European Crown H - . Total 913 88,990,000 I 37,249,775 ! I 609

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Summary. •iuoerficial Feet. White-pine 5.091,734 Silver-pine 3„':« *Red-pine, &c 28,532,605 37,249,775 * Inoludes a small amount of totara, black-birch, black-pine, &c, but not to an appreciable extent.

CANTEEBUEY. The most northern mill is situated at Highfield, on the main road to Kaikoura, about fourteen miles north of Waiau, in the Amuri district; it is owned by Messrs. Gulliver and Rogers, who are cutting red and black birch, rimu, and white-pine from freehold lands in the vicinity. The timber is used locally for building purposes, &c, and some of it is supplied to other markets. In the Oxford district there are at present four mills working, which are owned respectively by Messrs. Ryde Bros., E. Feary, H. Bunn, and J. Rossiter. The timber cut is black-birch and red-pine, which is used locally and for supply to the Christchuroh market. The output from these four mills is about three-quarters of a million feet per annum. A considerable amount of sawmilling was formerly done on Banks Peninsula, the headquarters of the industry being at Little River. The Native bush in this locality is now, however, practically cut out, and there is no permanent milling industry at present, although a little of the totara and whitepine timber which still remains on freehold property is occasionally cut for local use. At Alford Forest, in the Ashburton County, sawmilling operations were formerly carried on, blackbirch and white-pine timber being cut on freehold land for local consumption. The mill, however, was closed in July, 1903, and the machinery sold, so there is no milling now being done in that locality, although formerly the output from the mill was 356,000 superficial feet per annum. Further south, at Peel Forest and Orari Gorge, in the Geraldine County, three mills were formerly engaged cutting totara and white and black pine on freehold land for the local market. These mills made an output of about 750,000 ft. per annum, but the last to continue working was closed down about two years ago, and the only timber-output from the locality now consists of posts, stakes, and firewood. There are about 260 acres of untouched bush on freehold property, besides some on Crown land ; this, however, is difficult of access, and there is little milling-timber in it. The timber industry in the Waimate district, where extensive sawmilling operations were formerly carried on, is now confined to the cutting of posts, stakes, and firewood on freehold lands.

Centre-rail Brake working on a 1 in 7 Grade on Ellis and Burnand's Tramway at Mangapeehi, Taranaki.

No. 31.]

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35

As the native bush on Banks Peninsula has become practically cut out, there is now no permanent sawmilling industry left there, although] a little totara and pine timber left at Kaituna and Port Levy is still occasionally out.

Schedule of Sawmills.— Canterbury Land District.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horse- Cutting- > Nu ™ ber power of capacity of Output per „,', Machinery Mill per Annum. H ™ 8 in Mill. Annum. p,^ Purpose for which Timber is utilised. Highfield Red-birch, blaok-biroh, rimu, and white-pine Sup. ft. 1,000,000 Sup. ft 800,000 This mill is newly sta r t e d ; the above is the expec t e d output 200,000 220,000 170,000 150,000 356,000 Locally, and for sale in other districts. Amuri European 17 • 17 West Oxford Oxford European and Crown Crown Black-birch and red-pine r n Mount Oxford .. Cooper's Creek View Hill Peary's Alford Forest .. European and Crown Freehold .. 10 12 10 10 Two 8, portables 8, stationary stationary 9, portable 217,000 260,000 215,000 215,000 356,000 8 10 7 7 20 I m Alford Forest Black-birch and white-pine .. Locally, for building. Mill closed and machinery sold 31st July, 1903. \ Local distriot consumption. Has not worked foi three years ; most of machinery removed. Button's Peel Forest Totara, white-pine, and blackpine 400,000 300,000 5 Clarke's m Ditto 400,000 300,000 7 Local district consumption. Has not workedjfoi two years ; the whole of machinery removed. Tripp's Orari Gorge * 300,000 200,000 5 Local consumption ; cutting over about 350 aores of Tripp's freehold bush. Has not worked foi about five years. I 2,696,000 i 86 I 101 3,363,000

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OTAGO. It appears that no account is kept at any of the sawmills of the output of each class of timber, consequently no reliable information on that point can be supplied. Compared with the North Island and Southland, the sawmill industry in Otago is, of course, comparatively small. The output is almost altogether locally absorbed for building purposes, and the mills are not as a rule kept working throughout the whole of the year. Each miller has his own particular customers, and in intervals between the orders is generally under the necessity of reducing the number of hands employed. During the last four years, however, owing to the activity of the building trade, the majority of the Otago mills have been running to their maximum capacity, but should there be a falling-off in this direction probably some of the smaller mills would either close down for a time or seek a market elsewhere. As the output is chiefly absorbed for building purposes, it is practically impossible to furnish the number of employees whose operations are dependent upon timber supplies. The most northern mill, or that situated nearest to Dunedin, is that of Messrs. Greig and Co., who are cutting mixed timbers, chiefly red-pine, on a number of freeholds and leaseholds in Blocks IX. and X., Glenomaru. The bush here is getting pretty well cut out. The mill is situated quite close to the Glenomaru Bailway-station, on the Catlin's Branch Bailway, and the timber is generally disposed of to Dunedin building-contractors. Travelling south al6ng the railway, the next mill is that owned by Messrs. Latta Bros, at Katea, or about three miles from the Hunt's Road Railway-station, to which the timber is conveyed along a wooden tramway. This is probably the best equipped mill in the district, and has the largest output. The bush being operated on comprises several freeholds and Crown leaseholds in Blocks IX., Glenomaru, and 11., Catlin's. This mill is kept running fairly steadily, and the timber is stacked near the railway-station, whence builders' orders are supplied to all parts of Otago and South Canterbury. Following the railway still further south to Owaka, the next mill, also owned by Latta Bros., is arrived at. The mill is some four to five miles from the rail, and the timber is carted to the station by horse and bullock trucks. The right to take timber has been obtained by Latta Bros., from a number of freeholders in Block 1., Catlin's, and this timber is also disposed of in contract-builders' orders. It is chiefly red and black pine, with a small proportion of totara and miro. The plant is driven by a 16--horse power portable Marshall engine. The area of good bush around this mill is limited, and probably two years will see it all cut out. South from Owaka about five miles, are two mills, one owned by Mr. Bates and one by Latta Bros. Latta Bros.' mill is adjacent to the Catlin's Railway-station, the present terminus of the Catlin's Branch Railway. This is a 10-horse-power plant, and the timber produced comprises red, white, and black pine, red and silver birch, and a little totara. The owners have obtained here a license to cut on a bush reserve, and also on a number of Crown leaseholds and freeholds. The timber is conveyed to the railwaystation on a wooden tramway, and is disposed of to contractors in Otago and Canterbury. Bates's mill is a small plant worked by Mr. Bates and his sons. It is situated in Block IV., Woodland, about one mile from the Catlin's Railway terminus. The timber is taken to the railway-station by bullockteams, but for three or four months of the year traffic becomes impossible owing to the bad roads. Bates can only work for seven to eight months in the year, therefore his output is small. The timber operated on is on his own land. Dawson and McKechnie's mill, situated near Ratanui, and about three miles from the Catlin's Railway terminus, is the most southerly mill in the district. The horse-power used is about 20, but owing to the bad roads of winter this mill cannot work full time during four to five months of the year, hence the output is small in comparison to the cutting-capacity. The timber is obtained on freeholds adjacent, but these are being quickly cut out. The timber is red and black pine and miro, with small quantities of totara, and it is chiefly disposed of in small lots in Otago and South Canterbury. The only other mill at present operating in the district is that of White and Sons. This is a small mill worked by a farmer and his sons, and the timber is taken from their own freehold. Their output is small, and is chiefly disposed of locally or in small orders to Dunedin. Generally speaking the bush in Otago is light—that is to say, the good trees are not by any means close. There is in every case considerable variety in the trees, there not being any extent of one kind of bush. Areas are quickly cut out, particularly where the mill is of any size ; and in order to keep a mill for any time in one place long lines of wooden tramways have to be laid. As the Catlin's Railway is pushed on the sawmilling industry will follow; but it is hardly likely that the number of mills will increase very much. No timber is exported from the Catlin's district, at least by the sawmillers, because up till the present time a good local market has always been found. The only sawmill in the Wakatipu district is situated about four miles and a half above Kinloch, or head of Lake Wakatipu, on the Dart River. W. A. Grant holds a license for ten acres from the Otago Land Board. The timber cut is chiefly red-beech (Fagus fusca) and a few odd trees of totara. The timber is used locally for buildings, fencing, also for road-works, bridges, &c. The mill owned by Mr. J. B. Ewing is situated in the Makarora Valley, head of Lake Wanaka. Mr. Ewing is cutting off 100 acres held under license from the Otago Land Board and occasionally off his freehold. The chief output from this mill is white or silver birch, black-pine, white-pine, and totara. The timber is used in the district for house-building and bridge-construction. This mill is situated on the main road —head of Lake Wanaka to West Coast via Haast Pass —and from its situation to the sea-coast (a distance of sixty to seventy miles)there is one continuous forest of valuable timber. The sawmill up the Wilkin River, owned by Mr. Dan Calwell, also is situated in the midst of large timber-areas. Mr. Calwell is cutting off 100 acres held under license from the Otago Land Board. The timber cut at this mill is silver-birch, black-pine, white-pine, and totara. Owing to being so far removed from the centres of population, the timber is used locally for house-building and the construction of wharves and bridges.

36

No. 32.]

Hauling Logs to the Sawmill, Taranaki.

No. 33

Squaring Sleepers, Pohangina District, Wellington.

C—6.

Schedule of Sawmills.— Otago Land District.

37

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. i Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annurn. Output per Annum. iNumber of Hands employed. Purpose for which Timber is utilised. Latta Bros. .. .. Ratea Freehold Red, blaok, and white pine, 20 miro. and totara Red and blaok pine, miro, and 16 totara Red, white, and blaok pine, 10 red and silver birch, and totara Bed and white pine and miro 8 Sup. ft. 960,000 Sup. ft. 800,000 18 Timber is disposed of locally or in builders' lot! in Otago and Canterbury. Ditto. .. Tahatika .. 750,000 500,000 13 - .. .. Catlin's Freehold and Crown lands 450,000 385,000 11 it Bates .. .. . I Honipapa Freehold 400,000 200,000 3 Worked by the owner and his sons. Timber sold in Otago and Canterbury in small lots. Timber disposed of in Otago and Canterbury in builders' orders. Mill does not work steadily, as bad roads prevent carting of timber. Worked by a farmer and his sons. Timber disposed of locally. Timber principally disposed of in Dunedin, sup plying builders' orders. Construction of houses and road-works. Dawson and McKechnie | Batanui Freehold and Crown Leaseholds Red and black pine, miro, 20 and totara 1,200,000 400,000 10 White Freehold Chiefly red-pine .. .. 8 200,000 100,000 3 Greig and Co. .. .. i Glenomaru Freeholds and Crown Leaseholds Crown Black and red pine, totara 25 and kamai Red beech, fagus fusca, and 8 small quantity totara Black-pine, birch, totara, and 12, white-pine steamengine Ditto .. .. .. 10, waterwheel 137 1,000,000 375,000 8 Kiuloch .. .. Dart [district, head of Lake Wanaka Wanaka Sawmills (owned Makarora by J. B. Ewing) Crown and freehold 100,000 624,000 80,000 70,000 I 3 6 House-building, bridges, mining. Wilkin Mills (owned by , Dan Calwell) Crown 300,000 8,000 (average ft.) 2 Totals 77 5,984,000 2,918,000

C.—6.

SOUTHLAND. There are in all fifty-six mills, thirty of which are working solely on Crown lands, five on Crown and private lands, and twenty-one on private property. The thirty mills working on Crown lands produced during the year 23,762,000 ft., 4,294,000 ft. of which was consumed locally and 19,468,000 ft. sent to other districts from; Waipahi to Christchuroh. There were 481 men employed by these mills, who received in wages during the year £56,180. The five mills working principally on private but partly on Crown lands produced 5,723,000 ft. 1,033,000 ft. was consumed locally and 4,690,000 ft. supplied to.other districts, Waipahi to Christchuroh. Number of men employed during the year, ninety-three ; wages paid, £11,700. The twenty-one mills working solely on European lands produced 10,408,000 ft. ; 3,485,000 ft. was consumed locally and 6,923,000 ft. supplied to other districts, Waipahi to Christchuroh. Number of men employed, 234 ; wages paid, £22,210. It will be seen from this statement that Southland sawmills produced during last year 39,893,000 ft. of timber ; 8,812,000 ft. for local orders and 31,081,000 ft. to outside districts north of Waipahi, only 66,000 ft. being exported to Australia. The millers employed 808 men and paid in wages £90,090. There are in Southland nine distinct sawmilling forests, not including Stewart Island—viz., Longwood forest, embracing parts of Longwood, Jacob's River, and Aparima Hundreds ; Hokonui Forest, embracing parts of Hokonui, Forest Hill, Waimumu, and Lindhurst Hundreds ; Winton Forest, in Winton Hundred ; Spar Bush, in Oreti and New River Hundreds ; Forest Hill, in Forest Hill Hundred ; Mabel, in Mabel Hundred; Seaward Bush, embracing parts of Invercargill, Oteramika, and Campbelltown Hundreds ; Tautuku Bush, Waikawa Survey District, and Preservation Forest, in Preservation Survey District. The principal sawmilling forest at present is Longwood, in which were working during the year twenty-two mills, producing timber chiefly for building purposes, and delivering mostly north of Waipahi. Five of those mills are close to Thornbury-Nightcaps Railway-line, and seventeen utilise the Thornbury-Orepuki Line. The once-celebrated Seaward Bush is pretty well worked out, but can still boast of nine mills, six of which deliver by the Seaward Bush Railway, two by the Bluff Line, and one on the main line Invercargill to Dunedin. Most of the bush mills manufacture weatherboards, T. and G. flooring and lining, and all patterns of mouldings for building purposes, but do not work doors, sashes, nor staircases. The Stewart Island, Waikawa, and Southport mills do not manufacture, but supply most of the timber manufactured in Dunedin. The proportions of timbers produced in Southland are approximately as follows : Red-pine (rimu), 70 per cent. ; white-pine (kahikatea), 15 per cent. ; black-pine (matai), 2 per cent. ; totara, 2 per cent. ; miro, 10 per cent. ; birch, 1 per cent. The mills manufacture about 32 per cent., and supply factories in Invercargill, Dunedin, Oamaru, and Timaru, with, say, 10 per cent, good for manufacturing.

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C—6.

Schedule of Sawmills.— Southland Land District.

39

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Eui opean, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horsepower of Machinery in Mill. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. Number Purpose for which Timber is utilised: of (a.) LocalU-, for Construction of Houses, or in conHands nection with Railway and Road Works; em- (6.) Sendine: to another District; ployed, (c.) For Export outside the Colony. Glen Dhu Timber Company Timpany's Lindhurst Hundred .. Crown, 413 Red and white pine and totara 14 Sup. ft. 800,000 Sup. ft. 600,000 14 (a) 60 per cent., (6) 40 per cent., (c) nil, Wages per annum, £1,500. (a) 25 per cent., (6) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £3,100. (a) 5 per cent., (6) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,200. (a) 100 per cent. Working eight months principally building mill. Wages £650. (a) nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £850. (a) nil, (b) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Working seven months. Wages, £900. (a) nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Only worked four and a half months. Wages, £400. (a) 100 per cent., (b) nil. (e) nil. Only working four months. Wages, £400. (a) 5 per cent., (b) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,500. (a) nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Working six months. Wages, £900. (a) 2 per cent., (b) 98 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £500. (a) nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages pei annum, £1,250. (a) 20 per cent., (6) 80 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,400. (a) 15 per cent., (6) 85 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1.850. (a) Nil, (b) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Worked two months. Wages, £150. (a) 33 per cent., (b) 62 per cent., (c) 5 per cent, Wages, per annum, £1,800. (a) 33 per cent., (b) 67 per cent., (c) nil. Working six months. Wages paid, £650. (a) 33 per cent., (6) 67 per cent., (c) nil. Wages, per annum, £1,560. (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Working six months. Wages paid, £350. (a) 3 per oent., (6) 97 per cent., (c) nil. Wages for year, £2,000. (a) 3 per cent., (b) 97 per cent., (c) nil. Wages for year, £2,500. (a) 4 per cent., (b) 96 per cent., (c) nil. Wages for year, £1,500. (a) 5 per cent., (b) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Working nine months, wages, £1,000. Seaward Bush Crown, 341o Red and white pine, miro, and totara Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red and white pine, miro, and totara Red and black pine, miro, and kamahi Red and black pine, kamahi, and miro Red pine, kamahi, and miro 35 1,800,000 1,200,000 21 Pahia (Timpany) Longwood Crown, 429 22 1,500,000 900,000 16 Fairfax (Timpany) Crown, 425, and European European 10 800,000 150,000 6 Currie's (Currie) Waikawa 10 850,000 350,000 10 Niagara (Murdock) 14 900,000 450,000 12 Thomas Crown, 327a 10 700,000 200,000 10 Tokanui (Melvin) Tokanui European Red and black pine, miro, and totoes Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red pine, miro, and totara .. 14 800,000 200,000 10 Pahia (Watson) Longwood 14 1,000,000 600,000 12 Half-Moon (Murdoch and pSfRoff) Glorie (Mackie) Stewart Island • • • 20 1,250,000 500,000 14 m ■ > Crown, 353a m • • 14 900,000 350,000 7 Swain's (Swain) European 12 900,000 600,000 14 Hedgehope (Wallis) Hedgehope Crown lands, Forest Hill Hundred Crown, 418c Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red, white, and black pine, totara, and birch Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red, white, and black pine, totara, and birch Ditto 20 1,000,000 600,000 22 Waicola (Harrington) .. Longwood 35 1,250,000 900,000 14 Oraki (Perry) Crown, 451 12 800,000 150,000 8 Otautau Sawmill Company Te Tua (Gait) Crown, 441 16 1,200,000 1,000,000 14 European 16 900,000 300,000 12 Otapiri (Hensley) Forest Hill Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red and white pine and totara 12 960,000 700,000 12 Otatara Inveroargill Hundred 10 800,000 250,000 8 More and Sons Riverton Crown, 388a Red, white, and black pine, miro, birch, and totara Ditto 18 850,000 750,000 15 More and Sons Crown, 437 99 1,200,000 900,000 18 Wakapatu (Perry, W.) .. Longwood Crown area 387c .. Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto 35 1,500,000 600,000 14 Wakapatu (Young) Crown, Native, and European, Secton 5, Block VII. 30 1,200,000 270,000 10

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40

Schedule of Sawmills.—Southland Land District— continued.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, European, or Native land. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Horse- Outline Number power of capacit) of Output per „ , Machinery Mill per Annum. f m in Mill. Annum. ployed. Purpose for which Timber is utilised: (a.) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in connection with Hail way and Road Works; (b.) Sending to another District; (c.) For Export outside the Colony. Kapuka (Guthrie Estate) Waituna European Red-pine and miro 35 Sup. ft. 1,560,000 Sup. ft. 1,560,000 26 (a) 27 per cent., (b) 73 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £3,450. (a) 6 per cent., (b) 94 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,750. (a) 4 per cent., (b) 96 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,650. (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,000. (a) 75 per cent., (b) 25 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,680. Orepuki (Giittirie Estate) Orepuki Crown, 427, & Euro- | pean Crown, 435, & European European Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red, white, and black pine, miro, totara, and biroh Red and white pine and miro 35 1,500,000 960,000 23 Orepuki (Guthrie Estate) Waimemea .. 35 1,500,000 840,000 19 Woodend (Bird) Woodend 15 840,000 840,000 15 Edendale (Lopdell and Sutherland) Edendale Crown, Block X., 128, and European, Oteramike Hund. Crown, 433c Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara 20 1,000,000 600,000 12 Longbush (Broad, Small, and Co.) . Orepuki (Molntyre) Longbush .. Red and white pine, miro, and totara Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto 20 1,200,000 960,000 16 (a) 100 per cent., (b) nil, (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,200. (a) 3 per cent., (6) 97 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,750. (a) 32 per cent., (6) 68 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,200. (a) 15 per cent., (b) 83 per cent., (c) 2 per cent. Wages per annum, £1,800. Orepuki Crown, 434, and European European 30 30 1,500,000 1,500,000 900,000 800,000 18 17 Centre Bush (McGregor) Hokonui Lady Barkly (MoKenzie) Winton Hundred European & Crown, area 431a, Block VIII. European 30 1,300,000 960,000 15 Winton (Eggerton) White-pine 15 700,000 180,000 5 (a) 4 per oent., (b) 96 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £300. Only worked six months. (a) 2£ per cent., (b) 97J per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £350. (a) 30 percent., (6) 70 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,600. (a) 15 per oent., (b) 80 per cent., (c) 5 per cent. Wages per annum, £2,750. (a) 16 per cent., (b) 84 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £4,200. (a) 6 per oent., (6) 94 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,550. Winton (Small and Co.) 9 600,000 160,000 4 Mabel (Massey) Mabel Bush Crown, 262, and European Crown, 420, and European Crown, 164b Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto 60 2,600,000 1,700,000 22 Waianiwa (Massey) Spar Bush .. 60 2,000,000 1,400,000 23 Woodend (Massey) Woodend .. Bed-pine, miro, and totara 100 3,000,000 2,167,000 35 Gorge Road (Massey) .. Gorge Road Partly European partly Crown, 188a, and European Crown, 201b Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara 65 3,000,000 900,000 19 Colao (Massey) Colac Red-pine, miro, and totara .. 65 2,700,000 1,400,000 18 (a) 4 per cent., (6) 96 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,500. (a) Nil, (b) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,200. (a) 10 per cent., (b) 90 per oent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £700. (a) 25 per cftnt.., (b) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,150. (a) 4 per cent , (6) 96 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,000. (a) 4 per cent., (6) 96 per oent., (c) nil. Wages per annum £1,900. Ruahine (Massey, Ward) Ruahine (Perry) Ruahine H ■ • Crown, 195a European Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Red and white pine, miro, and totara Ditto 36 14 1,200,000 800,000 625,000 400,000 10 7 Waimatua (Timpany Bros.) Colao (McCallum and Co.) Seaward Bush Crown, 454 20 1,500,000 950,000 18 Longwood .. Crown, 302a Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto 22 1,700,000 750,000 2-2 Colac (McCallum and Co.) Crown, 439 20 1,500,000 780,000 15

In Mr. E. Lockington's Bush, Reefton District, Nelson.

No. 34. j

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McCallum's (McCallum Seaward Bush and Co.) Glenburn (McCallum and ' Longwood .. Co.) Fairfax (McCallum) Southport (McCallum Southport and Co.) Grindstone (Austin) .. Longwood .. Gorge Road (Neidered) .. Seaward Bush Forest Hill (McCallums) j Forest Hill .. . . Crown, 340b . Crown, 411a .. Crown, 348a • ■ Crown, 416b . • European .. Crown, 375a Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara .. Red, white, and black pine, miro, birch, and totara .. Red, white, and black pine, birch, and totara Red-pine, miro, and totara .. Red and white pine, miro, and totara .. Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara ■ Ditto 30 20 10 25 1,600,000 1,000,000 800,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 600,000 500,000 470,000 22 19 12 13 (a) 25 per cent., (b) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,500. (a) 6 per cent., (6) 94 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,000. (a) 5 per cent., (i) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,200. («) Nil, (b) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,200. (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages for seven months working, £900. (a) 25 ptr cent., (b) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages for six months, £400. (a) 10 per cent., (b) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £2,000. (a) 75 per cent., (i) 25 per oent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £850. (a) 2 per cent., (b) 98 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum, £1,250. (a) 10 per cent., (b) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages £500 per annum. (a) 5 per cent, (b) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum £1,500. (a) 85 per cent., (b) 15 per cent., (c) nil. Wages per annum £1,200. 14 900,000 450,000 12 10 800,000 350,000 7 20 1,500,000 850,000 14 Tisbury (Lawrence) .. Seaward Bush Fortune and Cross .. ; Longwood Grove Bush (Kilkelly) .. Grove Bush Traill Bros., Riverton .. ! Longwood .. Moores .. .. Longbush .. .. European .. Crown, 453 ■. European .. Crown . European .. Red and white pine and miro .. Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara .. White-pine and totara .. Red, white, and black pine, miro, totara, and birch .. While -pine, a little red and black pine, and miro 12 16 10 900,000 1,000,000 500,000 550,000 750,000 200,000 9 12 5 15 1,200,000 750,000 14 10 800,000 600,000 13 Totals .. 1,323 808 ■ 69,500,000 39,893,000 •

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42

Southland Land District. —Mills classified.

Approximate Goat, of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1950 copies, exclusive of illustrations 1, £44 2s. lOd.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

Prtte :Is.

Crown Lands only. European and Cro 1 ai. European only. a. b. Men. Wages. a. b. Men. Wages. it. b. Men. Wages. 300 360 45 150 7 50 270 310 30 36 27 50 40 450 960 36 327 56 900 240 855 200 550 630 640 150 343 720 864 573 910 800 150 2J 14 u; 6 10 22 14 14 8 7 15 18 18 28 19 12 16 18 35 L8 10 is 22 15 •α-i 19 12 13 12 14 £ 3,100 1,500 2,200 650 400 2,400 1,850 1,800 150 500 2,000 2,500 2,500 2,750 2,650 1,680 2,200 1,750 4,200 2,500 1,200 2,150 2,000 1,900 2,500 2,000 1,200 1,200 1,250 1,500 144 540 210 54 85 800 1,160 1,120 846 765 15 22 23 19 14 £ 1,800 2,600 2,750 2,550 2,000 200 30 100 230 350 13 450 S40 I 250 8 4 40 i 450 : 87 413 20 100 350 450 570 500 600 200 470 257 1,110 550 170 156 360 263 137 180 600 10 12 10 12 14 14 12 12 S 10 26 15 17 5 4 7 12 7 9 5 13 & 850 900 400 1,500 900 1,250 650 1,560 350 1,000 3,450 2,000 2,200 300 350 700 900 400 850 500 1,200 240 30 32 375 36 25 864 1,840 1,344 625 720 720 748 1,125 564 475 470 735 713 15 37 4,294 19,468 481 56,180 1,033 4,690 98 11,700 3,485 6,923 234 22,210 Liocal. North Waipahi. Men. Wages. Grown Grown and European European Totals 1 Sup. ft. 4,294,000 1,033,000 3,485,000 8,812,000 Sup. ft. 19,408,000 4,690,000 6,923,000 481 93 234 £ 56,180 11,700 22,210 8,812,000 31,081,000 808 90,090

No. 35.]

Bullock Team en route for Owaka Railway-station, Otago.

No. 36.]

Latta Brothers' Sawmill, Katea, Otago.

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