DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: THE TIMBER INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND IN 1907.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, C-04

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: THE TIMBER INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND IN 1907.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

Sir, — Department of Lands, Wellington, 20th May, 1907. I have the honour to submit herewith report on the timber industry of New Zealand as at the commencement of this year. In 1905 a similar report was presented to Parliament, being the first attempt made to show the exact state of this great industry, and the following is a more complete and up-to-date statement dealing with the subject. I have, &c, William C. Kensington, Under-Secretary. The Hon. Robert McNab, Minister of Lands.

REPORT. The information contained in these pages is the outcome of systematic inquiries made by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands, Timber Experts, and Crown Lands Rangers belonging to the Department of Lands. Every sawmiller in the colony has been approached on the subject, and in many cases has been good enough to supply full particulars of the operations at the mills under his control. These details have been ca-efully checked and added to, and as the result it is now possible to estimate very fairly the annual output of timber from the mills, and the manner in which the timber resources of New Zealand are being utilised. As is we 1 known, the Crown has for some time past parted with its forest lands by way of sale, and consequently is not now able to control the felling and destruction of the remaining forests to any great extent. The following tables show approximately the amount of timber still existing in the colony.

Schedule showing the Approximate Quantity of Milling Timber on Crown Lands.

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District. Kauri. Ilium Kahikatea (Red-pme). (Wbite-pine). Totara. Matai (Black-pine). Birches. I Miscellaneous. Total. Auckland i twke's Bay L'aranaki iVeliinuton llarlbocuiigh kelson .. /VeS'.land Canterbury )tago Southland Sup. ft. 270,575,777 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. 928,400,852 119,436,823 625,255,000 217,437,000 18,635,000 9,130,000 2,010,714,000 553,749,001) 72,000,000 25,000,000 1,080,000,000 13,000,00(1 3,723,800,000 325,000,000 1,100,000 8,800,000 458,000,000 ' 13,000,000 1,130,835,000 48,587,000 Sup. ft. 94,387,998 50,692,000 1,416,000 197,40:5,000 450,000 3,000,000 51,000,000 2,000,000 6,200,000 4,885,000 Sup. ft. 100,987,631 121,980,000 2,401,000 938,124,000 6,500,000 5,500,000 28,000,000 500,000 72,000,000 13,240,000 Sup. ft. 1,850,000 3,220,000 4,473,750,000 50,000,000 26,800,000 60,000,000 Sup. ft. 5,973,000 •999,184,000 to,000,000 117,000,000 240,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,519,795,081 1,017,214,000 40,775,000 4,705,234,000 108,950,000 5,592,250,000 4,417,800,000 34,200,000 899,200,000 330,882,000 290,000,000 §33,090,000 270,575,777 9,054,745,8521,828,189,823 411,493,998 1,295,232,631 4,715,865,000 1,590,247,000 18,666,300,081 * Mire i, rnaire, hinau, &c. t Beech. 1 Yellow an. silver pine an. kawaka. § Miro.

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Schedule showing Approximate Quantities of Milling Timber on Private and Native Lands.

Review of Position. From a perusal of the reports of the various Commissioners of Crown Lands, it will be seen how the different districts of the colony compare with regard to timber supply and demand. Auckland. In Auckland the supply of mSling timber in 1904 was estimated at 7,465,053,000 superficial feet, of which 1 112,019,000 ft. was kauri '(vide parliamentary report C.-6 of 1905), but it is now estimated at only 6,573.235,855 ft., including 646,041,094 ft. of kauri. This illustrates in the clearest manner the very rapid destruction of the native forests in the north, which if continuing at the present rate will cause a cessation of the sawmilling industry within some fifteen years. During the past year the Government sold by public tender 41,847,206 ft. of milling timber, whilst the output of the various mills totalled 190,543,000 superficial feet, and for the twelve months ended 31st December, 1906, no less than 68,278,718 ft. of timber, valued at £276,411, were exported from the Auckland District. Owing to the increased output from the mills in the district (there being now fifty-nine, as against forty-nine in 1905), the supply of marketable timber is greatly reduced north of Auckland, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands estimates that the future supply of timber for the loial market will be derived from the southern part of the district, where large forests remain in the Lower Waikato, Taupo, and Rotorua districts. Every year sees an increased demand for timbers other than kauri, which up to now has been the chief source of supply and utilisation. Timbers that even a few years ago were almost disregarded, such as matai, rimu, "&c, are now largely drawn upon, and forests are in many instances being worked a second time, trees being now milled that formerly were passed over. In 1905 the estimated annual output from the mills was" 182,454,000 ft. It now amounts to 190,543,000 ft., and shows a tendency to still increase. Whereas two years ago 2,138 " hands" were employed at the mills, the number of workers is now given at 2,367. Hawke's Bay. In the southern part of the Hawke's Bay District the supply of milling timber is rapidly becoming scarce, and it is estimated that in four years' time there will be few, if any, mills working, and already mill-owners are securing forest areas outside the district. In the Poverty Bay portion, however, sawmilling is increasing, and particularly in the Motu distret there is every prospect of the industry assuming much larger dimensions when the railway from Gis v orne commences to tap the large forests existing in that locality. It has been estimated by private persons that there still remains about 900,000,000 superficial feet of milling timber on 20,000 acres in this locality, and though this is probably considerably in excess of the actual amount, there is no doubt that an extensive area is still available for sawmilling operations. The construction of bush railways frotn Waikaremoana, Waihirere, and Motu, to enable timber and stone to be procured from those localities, is now being considered by local bodies in the Cook County. However, in the whole of the district the number of mil's has dropped from sixty-one in 1905 to thirty-eight in 1907, and the annual output from 49,151,354 ft. to 40,868,118 ft. for the same period. This latter includes 2,500,000 ft. exported from the province. The chief timbers used are rimu and matai, while the proportion of totara is steadily diminishing, one-seventh of the total. Taranaki. Although a fair amount of "milling timber still remains in Taranaki, it is unlikely that a largo proportion can be utilised, owing to the lack of sufficient railway and road communication, and the distance of the forest from any centre where a demand for timber is likely to arise. The numbeT of mills in 1905 was thirty-one, their output being estimated at 20,323,700 ft. ; but in 1907 the mills were only twenty-nine in number, and their output 16,824,281 ft. It will be noticed from the detailed reports that rimu is the principal timber used in Taranaki, being two-thirds of the whole consumption.

Kauri. Rimu. Kahikatea. Totara. Matai. I Birches. Miscellaneous. Total. District. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Madborough Nelson Westland C-interbury Snp. ft. I Sup ft. 375,405,317 2,993,351,181 I 753,161,00' 388,277,211 ,2,855,845,001 55,000,OOf 535,149,118 1,049,000,OOf 1,600,OOf 80,944,000 137,275,000 Sup. ft. 642,664,471" 257,606,OOf 104,985,OOf 743,806,000 16,000,000 80,990,000 681,000,000 7,600,000 6,844,500 45,050,000 Snp. ft. 100,213,801 65,763,00* 32,075.101 215,853,001 297,00.' 42,187,000 134,000,001 4,200,000 5,393,600 14,055,000 Snp. ft. 810,127,447 149,700,000 16,196,400 1,261,921,000 3,000,000 126,010,000 119,000,000 1,300,000 22,789,900 17,770,000 Sup. ft. 5,004,000 147,339,280 30,500,000 36,300,000 12,298,600 81,100,000 Sup. ft. 131,627,500 194,263,000 •979,666,000 +4,000,000 J189,370,000 §300,000,000 Sup. ft. 5,053,449,774 1,226,230,000 735,800,719 6,057,091,000 78,297,000 1,120,995,393 2,313,500,000 51,000,000 153,009,500 330,200,000 24,738,900 §34,950,000 Ocago Southland 375,405,3178,844,602,512! 2,566,545,970 613,987,560 •2,527,814,747 312,541,880 1,858,615,400 17,119,573,586 [iro, maire, hinau. + Beech. 1 Yellow and silver pine, kawaka, and rata. 8 Miro, silver-pine, &c.

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Wellington. The Wellington District is, for convenience, divided into three portions, each' of which is under the charge of a separate Ranger, who periodically visits the various areas within his charge. The western portion extends from Taumarunui on the north to Waikanae on the south, and in this area fifteen mills are at present working. Thus number will probably be increased ere long in the Waimarino district, on account of the North Island Main Trunk Railway opening up the vast forests in that locality. At present the output is estimated at 14,535,000 ft. per annum. The central portion of the Wellington District embraces the country from Turangarere to Pohangina, and in this are.a are located thirty-two mills, some of which will soon be ceasing operations. The output from them is given as 33,333,000 ft. per annum, being mostly rimu and matai, with smaller proportions of totara and kahikatea. The southern and eastern portion of the province reaches from Akitio, on the Hawke's Bay boundary-line, to Wellington at the south, and thirty-six mills are at present working therein, with an approximate output of 22,270,000 ft. per annum. The principal timber cut is the useful rimu, with matai, totara, and kahikatea in smaller quantities. From these details it will be seen that the Wellington District now contains eighty-three mills, with an estimated annual output of 70,138,000 ft., as against seventy-three mills, with an output of 55,860,106 ft., two years ago. The increase is chiefly in the country traversed by the North Island Main Trunk Railway, between Mangaweka and Raurimu, and there is a likelihood of further development now that the line is nearing completion. Marlborough. Marlborough's supply of milling timber remaining uncut is not very great, only amounting to about 187,000,000 ft., and last year's output was about 9,500,000 ft. But the available supply includes inferior timbers not being worked at present, and it is estimated that only from 80,000,000 ft. to 100,000,000 ft. of marketable timber is readily accessible. The industry is fairly steady in this district, and the local demand accounts for 6,000,000 ft. out of the 9,500,000 ft. cut. Interesting particulars are given in the detailed report, further on. Nelson. In Nelson there still remains about 6,700,000,000 ft. of milling timber, as against 6,944,000,000 ft. in 1905, and last year's output is given as 16,594,399 ft., of which three-quarters comprised rimu (red-pine). The demand has considerably increased since 1905, when-there were fifty-eight mills, with an output of 13,191,807 ft., which have grown to seventy-one mills, with the above-quoted output, and there is every probability of a still larger expansion of the milling trade. The report on page 34 contains many interesting particulars on the subject, and the manner in which operations are carried on at the present time. Westland. Next under review is the Westland District, in which, although there are two mills less than in 1905, there is an increased output of over 7,000,000 ft. per annum. The timber most'y cut is the very useful rimu (red-pine), which forms the bulk of the present forests in the province. Following this comes the kahikatea (white-pine), whilst silver and black pine are also cut for certain purposes, and totara is much in demand. As Westland is now one of the largest timber districts in the colony, both in production and future supply, it only needs further development to witness a large increase in the sawmilling industry, and it appears probable that in the immediate future a great proportion of the timber used in the cities and towns of New Zealand will be derived from this district. At the present time there is estimated to be a total of 6,731,3( 0,000 superficial feet of milling timber available ; but it is probable that, when as detailed and elaborate inspections of Ihe forests are made in West.'and as in some of the more settled districts, a greater quantity of timber may be found available for future requirements. Canterbury. The timber industry in Canterbury is still diminishing in extent, and only nine mills, with an estimated output of 1,164,000 ft. per annum, remain working. In 1905 there was a similar number of mills, but their output was given as 2,696,000 ft. a year, so that it is evident the forests are almost cut out in this part of the colony, and no doubt when the Midland Railway is completed from Westland the bulk of timber-supplies will be obtained from there. Through the lack of suitable timbers, birch is now largely utilised in the district, and seems to answer well, and it is possible that in other parts of the colony the same result will be observed in years to come. Otago. Otago has decreased from ten mills in 1905 to nine in 1907, but their output has slightly increased, from 2,918,000 ft. to 3,190,000 ft. per annum. Rimu again is the chief timber used, but kahikatea, maire, totara, miro, and beeches are also cut. The demand locally absorbs practically all the supply, and the trade is not likely to assume' larger proportions. Southland. In Southland the number of mills has dropped from fifty-six in 1905 to fifty in 1907, and their output from 39.893,000 ft. to 38,087,000 It. As there is not a very large supply of standing timber remaining in the district, it is probable that the sawmill trade will gradually decrease, and at a not very distant

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date, judging from the present output, will cease to be an important factor in the industries of the province. The same timbers as in Otago are utilised for milling purposes, and are all used locally, practically none going outside the district. Particulars of the year's operations are given on page 47.

Summary of the Sawmills of New Zealand.

General Remarks. From the foregoing review it will be seen that the timber-supplies in New Zealand are rapidly diminishing both in quantity and quality. Whereas in 1905 there was estimated to be a total of 43,000,000,000 superficial feet of milling timber in the various districts, it now appears that the amount has fallen to about 36,000,000,000 superficial feet, although the annual output has risen from 413,289,742 ft. to 432,031,611 ft. It must be borne in mind that a very large proportion of the above remaining timber, though suitable for milling purposes, is not readily available, owing to difficulty of communication, and expense of cutting and conveying same to the centres where it is required. Other causes, such as smallness of areas containing milling timber, and consequent unremunerative working of same ; waste of timber in cutting and milling operations ; destruction of forests by bush fires, and clearing land for settlement; and the necessity of preserving certain forests for climatic, water-supply, land-protection, and scenic purposes, also tend to limit the quantity of timber available for milling requirements, and it appears certain that the supply is not likely to last beyond the seventy years estimated in 1905, and will possibly fall short of this period to a considerable extent. • ■ In considering this great industry, many aspects of the case have to be carefully studied. On the one hand, timber-merchants and the carpentering trade all over New Zealand require and demand to be supplied with suitable timber for their needs out of the forests now standing on unoccupied land. The work of the contractor, builder, cabinetmaker, and allied trades would be seriously hampered if any great proportion of their requirements had to be derived from outside the colony, and as at the present time there are 411 mills in operation, employing 7,139 labourers, who, with other workers in the bush and their dependants, represent some twenty to twenty-five thousand souls, a severe blow would be dealt to the industry were its operations disturbed in this manner. Again, the process of felling and removing milling timber from the land largely helps to open it up for settlement purposes, and thereby assists in some measure the work of colonisation. Considerations such as these tend to strengthen the arguments of those persons who desire to see our indigenous forests practically swept away to meet the requirements of the sawmilling trade. But, on the other hand, it is essential to keep in mind the great lessons of past ages, and to guard against a similar fate overtaking New Zealand as has happened to so many other flourishing countries in the world. The following extracts show how this problem has been studied elsewhere. In the " Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society " for January, 1907, a most interesting review is given of " Forest Policy in the British Empire " by Dr. W. Sehlich, C.1.E., F.R.S., which is one of the most important works on the subject ever published, and contains the results of the lessons and experiences of centuries in the various countries of the Empire. To quote a few excerpts : Dr. Schlich's definition of a " forest " is " an area which, for the most part, is set aside for the production of timber and other forest produce, or which is expected to exercise climatic effects, or to protect the locality against injurious influences" ; and he contrasts this with a " wood," which is " an area stocked with trees or shrubs, and managed for the production of timber, firewood, and such other produce as ordinarily accompanies the rearing of trees" : so that every wood is a forest, but every forest is not necessarily a wood. On the important question of the effects of forests on the moisture of the air, Dr. Schlich summarises the data (chiefly German) which he discusses by saying that " the mean annual excess in forests ranges from 3 to 10 per cent., which explains why dry currents striking through forests may become, in a short time, relatively moist, so that precipitation may be caused. At any rate, there can be no doubt that the formation of dew is much greater in the vicinity of forests then on open ground away from woodlands." He shows that, although some 23 per cent, of the rainf&ll is intercepted by the crowns of trees in a forest, more of it actually penetrates the soil than does so in the open. Mechanically it can be shown that of the rain falling on a forest, close on one-fouith is intercepted in this manner, the other three-fourths falling on and being absorbed by the humus instead of running of! in surface streams. He also points out that it is for the State to guard the interests of the community where necessary, for the State alone can give sufficient guarantee for continuity of action. He shows

Land District. Number of Mills. m 4 , n Total Nnmi er Total Horse- £ H d P° wer - employed. Total Cuttingcap;, city per Annum. Total Output per Anuum. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington (west) .. „ (central) „ (southern) Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 59 38 29 15 32 30 14 71 49 9 9 50 2,847 1,059 737 373 526 559 494 852 912 102 131 1,408 2,307 721 453 324 542 522 195 403 645 54 82 831 Sup. ft. 256,325,000 70,804,000 32,158,000 30,090,000 52,050,000 35,700,000 15,770,000 01,127,000 94,526,000 3,000,000 5,090,000 61,100,000 Sup. It. 190,543,000 40,808,118 16,824,281 14,535,000 33,333,000 22,270,000 9,689,000 16,594,399 44,933,813 1,164,000 3,190,000 38,087,000 Totals 411 10,000 7,139 718,940,000 432,031,611

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Public Works Department's Milling Bush at Kakahi, Waimarino.

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that protection is required for the preservation of the soil or water-supply, for protection against winds, for the benefit of public health, &c. ; that State forests are desirable to safeguard supply, end that State supervision is often very necessary even'in the case of private forests. Of all parts of the Empire, the most important in a forest sense is the Dominion of Canada, where the area of woodland is given as 1,249,000 square miles, or 38 per cent, of the total area of Canada. In one year over 1,200,000,000 cubic feet, or 24,000,000 tons, of timber and firewood, amounting in value to about £10,000,000, were removed; and Dr. Schlich says, "Itis of the utmost importance, not only for Canada, but for the Empire generally, that the Canadian forests should, at an early date, be taken under systematic management. The Governments of the several provinces should select and demarcate a sufficient proportion of the area as permanent State forests, and bring them under complete control and systematic management. There arc large areas to choose from, so that no difficulties are likely to present themselves in selecting, out of the one and a quarter million square miles, about 150,000 square miles for reservation." In the early part of 1906 a Forest Convention met, under the presidency of the Governor-General, and with the support of Sir Wilfred Laurier, the Prime Minister, and resolutions were passed indicating the chief points to be attended to. In another article Mr. Munro Ferguson, M.P., points out that the most obvious way to arrest rural depopulation in the United Kingdom is not only to make private woodlands remunerative, but to afforest several million acres of waste and rough pasture, thus giving employment to a great body of people through sylvicultural operations and the great subsidiary industries of which the raw material is timber. In France especially the position of afforestation is exciting grave attention. A recent article in " The Revue dcs Eaux et Forets " showed that the forests not placed under regular control are disappearing, especially in the mountains; and, on the other hand, rewooding goes on so slowly that it does not keep pace with the damage that meanwhile increases and extends. After forty-five years of effort and expense, and of scientific and zealous work, the total additions is stated to be less than 495,000 acres, scattered over the south, centra, and south-east of France. These facts are being discussed and commented on over the length and breadth of France, and pressure is being brought to bear on the Government to insure more rapid progress. As an example of what can be done, it may be mentioned that in 1803 the dunes of Gascony, then comprising vast areas of sandy wastes, locally known as " the Landes," were taken in hand and some 120,000 acres of shifting sands planted with maritime pine. The work was proceeded with cautiously, and completed in 1864. Formerly one of the most desolate and sterile regions in France, these tracts covered with maritime pine are now traversed by roads and railways, and dotted over with sawmills furnished with the latest machineiy and appliances for converting logs into planks, parquet-boarding, panelling, &c, and have uplifted the whole region into a highly prosperous condition, with profitable industries firmly fixed on solid foundations. The regeneration of areas affected by sawmilling is most carefully studied and attended to, and the result is an objectlesson to other countries which contain waste areas of sandy soil, &c. The following is a summary of a report on " The Penury of Russia " by Mr. E. J. F. Law, Commercial Attache to H.M. Embassy at St. Petersburg, published in the Edinburgh Review of January, 1893 : " Since the Emancipation, absenteeism has become general, and the incomes of the proprietors has diminished. When their funds were exhausted they began to cut down their woods. Russia had enormous forests which, in the less fertile regions, constituted the most valuable part of the landed property, though formerly the timber was of little avail to the proprietors owing to want of means of accpss. This want is now supplied by the railways, so the woods have been sold to speculators, who exported the timber, and the produce has been spent. The belts of wood attracted and held the moisture, which was slowly distributed for the benefit of agriculture ; now in vast regions there is hardly a tree to be seen, and the consequence is that the underground rivulets which nourish the soil have disappeared. The forests also broke the force of the fierce east desert winds, which, piercingly cold in winter, and scorchingly hot in summer, burst with full fury on the great plains. In summer their blasts are capable of withering the corn in a few days, and with them come sandstorms, which tarn fertile land into permanent deserts. The unfortunate experienc( sof Central Asia, which once was a garden of fertility, and now is a desert peopled with nomads only, are repeating themselves. In the Province of AstrLchan an area of 800 square miles is covered with drift-sand ; in that of Stawropol whole villages have disappeared, and in 1885 soldiers had to be summoned to clear the sand from the houses. In the Province of Tauris the sand now covers about 632 square miles. The same disastrous effects took place in the north, where, after the destruction of the forests in the Provinces of Samara, Woronesh, and Tchernigow, hundreds of sandhills arose, which gradually covered the fertile land. A further consequence is that the rivers became shallower. Innumerable! instances of the evil effect of deforestation upon the Russian rivers can be given—as, for example, the Woronesh, Worskla, Oka, Dnieper, and the Volga." In the January issue of this year, the editor of Arboriculture, an American magazine devoted to the interests of forestry and afforestation in the United States, urges that immediate action be taken by Congress to control the remaining forests, for these reasons : (1) The influence which forests exert on precipitation; (2) their influence upon water-storage ; (3) effects of forests upon wind-movement; (4) disastrous effects of floods, and added costs of river embankments and groins caused by forestdestruction ; (5) menace to river-navigation from droughts, caused by too rapid melting of snow because of removal of protecting woodlands ; (6) the future supply of timber for the nation, which depends upon the conservation of the remaining forests ; (7) necessity of importing from abroad the timber required after removal of the State forests. In support of the proposal the editor says, " With but a trifle of America's magnificent forests remaining, the duty of Congress is to withdraw every acre of timber land from public sale. This should be held as a sacred trust to be for ever retained, only removing such trees as can be spared, and those which have exceeded their allotted age, carefully reserving all young trees and those which will continue to grow into valuable timber. To this should be added a more efficient system of forest-planting by the Government, seeding the bare spots with trees suited

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to the locality. All the interests of the nation demand the perpetuation of the remaining forests— agriculture, mining, navigation, commerce, the builders' trades, all will require timber twenty, fifty, and a hundred years hence as urgently as we of the present generation, and the demands of the present sawmillers should not be permitted to devastate the forests still owned by the Government." To sum up : The destructive results following upon the indiscriminate clearing of forest lands, particularly at the sources of streams and along their banks, are only too well known. Hardly a country in the world has escaped from the inevitable consequences of the disappearance of indigenous forests. Spain was at one time one of the richest and most powerful nations, but the country is now one of the poorest and driest in Europe, owing to the scanty annual rainfall consequent on the denudation of its forest areas. Asia Minor, North Africa, Arabia, are all conspicuous examples of regions that once were clothed with extensive forests and supported dense populations, but at the present time are inhabited by comparatively few people over a large proportion of their areas, through the fertile wooded lands deteriorating into barren sandy wastes. Italy and many other European countries have also experienced in slighter degrees the evil effects of forest denudation. As a consequence, schools of forestry, and systematic afforestation, are now a feature of the modern State Governments, particularly in Germany, France, the United States, and India. There the lessons of the past are borne in mind, and future evils guarded against as far as possible. New Zealand has so far only experienced the injurious effects of forest denudation in lesser degree, but already it has been noticed how much more disastrous the floods become, as witness the great floods of Easter, 1897, in Hawke's Bay and Rangitikei, and the Auckland and Waikato floods of last January. As years go on and the area of forest lands grows less, so much more difficult will it be to retain the surplus moisture from heavy rains and prevent sudden and excessive rises in the volume of river-waters sweeping away bridges, banks, and doing other damage. The bush that in the past absorbed much of the rainfall and caused it to gradually percolate into the river and lower-lying lands will have disappeared, and only a bare expanse of grassy slopes and plains will lie between the ranges and watercourses, with the inevitable result that under sustained and perhaps torrential downpours lasting over a day or two the rivers assume immense proportions, and the water, instead of sinking into the ground to any great extent, is nearly all drained into the streams immediately, and carries away with it much of the surface-soil and vegetation, helping to choke the river-beds and drains with silt and detritus. However, the Government has for some years been gradually working with a view to supplement the resources of our native forests, and the efforts of the reafforestation branch of this Department have already made a perceptible difference in the quantity of timber-trees that will be available for milling operations in some twenty years' time and onwards. The report of the Chief Forester on the year's operations is given in a separate paper (C.-1b), and from a perusal of this it will be seen that over' fifteen million trees have already been planted out in the thirteen Government plantations, over an area of 6,810 acres, and distributed among domains, &c, whilst fifteen million trees are growing in the State nurseries and are available for further planting. Much of the planting has been accomplished on the pumice plains between Eotorua and Taupo, and in the treeless parts of Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough; and it is in the necessary and early development of, and additions to, these plantations that the future welfare and maintenance of the sawmilling industry of this colony now lies. As has often been pointed out, those areas of pumice country and poor soil are peculiarly well adapted for tree-planting, and can be made to yield in this manner as profitable a monetary return as rich agricultural and pastoral land does in other parts of the colony. AUCKLAND. Throughout the past year the demand for sawn timber, especially kauri, has been well maintained. The inquiry for the timber mentioned was greater than the supply during part of the year, a condition of affairs due partly to the increased requirements, but mainly to the growing scarcity of logs, caused by the increasing remoteness of the kauri forests, which, of course, renders it more difficult to obtain regular supplies, as most of the easily accessible timbor is now cut out. Towards the end of last year a log-famine was in sight, but it was fortunately averted by several very heavy and unexpected freshes occuring over the whole kauri area during the early months of the current year. The effect of these freshes was that thousands of logs in the various districts, some of which had been lying in creeks for fifteen or more years, reached tidal waters, with the result that nearly all the old-established mills now have a larger stock of logs available than for many previous years. During the year the Department has disposed of, by public tender, 29,019,351 ft. of kai'ri, 8,975,648 ft. of rmu, 3,039,192 ft. of kahikatea, 287,319 ft. of matai, 525,696 ft. of totara, aggreg ting 41,847,206 ft. From this it will be seen that all milling timbers in kauri forests are included now in the sales. Rimu : This valuable timber is now coming into general use, the output being 19,610,000 ft., the major portion of which is utilised for building purposes. It is a great pity that this fine timber is not more appreciated, and that such vast quantities have been destroyed in the past in kauri forests and by fires, also by settlers in the ordinary course of settlement. Kahikatea : The demand for this timber is increasing, and it is now used for sheeting, piles, cofferdams, framing, and other temporary structures required in connection with concrete works, wharves, docks, sea-walls, harbour improvements and buildings, &c.

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The output of the various mills during the same period (year 1906-7) totalled 190,543,000 ft., and comprised the following kinds of timber : 105,999,000 ft. kauri, 19,610,000 ft. rimu, 37,542,000 ft. kahikatea, 4,600,000 ft. matai, 21,626,000 ft. totara, and 1,166,000 ft. miscellaneous. The number of mill-hands employed is 2,367, and it is estimated that the number of men engaged in the forests and in other works in connection with timber-getting is not less than five thousand. In former years, after supplying local requirements, kauri timber was chiefly exported from the east coast —from Mangonui, Whangaroa, parts of the Thames and Coromandel Peninsulas, Mercury Bay, and Tairua; but the two first-mentioned districts are now mostly cut out and the mills (with one exception) dismantled and removed, whilst the two last-named are still actively engaged, being ample to cut out the timber within their respective spheres of action. With a few exceptions, the remaining kauri consists mainly of scattered clumps and remnants, and is utilised to supply the Auckland mills, whither the logs are conveyed by scows, of which there is quite a fleet, and by rafts towed by steamers, most of which are owned by the sawmilling companies. Rafting and towing operations extend from Mangonui to Katikati, a distance of over three hundred miles. The mills situated within the harbours of the west coast (Kaipara, Hokianga, Whangape, and Herekino) are chiefly engaged in the export trade, for which the chief centre for many years has been the Kaipara, the immense watershed of which embraces an area extending to within a few miles of Auckland—the Wade, Mangawai, Waipu, Whangarei, Hikurangi, Puhipuhi, Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, Mangakahia, and the Maunganui Bluff. Owing to the buoyancy of kauri, the district lends itself to vast and extended timber-getting operations. The same remarks, though to a somewhat less extent, apply to Hokianga and Whangape. The Kaipara, as well as being one of the most extensive waterways, is one of the largest ports of entry for sailing-vessels in the colony. Of the many rivers flowing into the Kaipara Harbour the Northern Wairoa is the largest. Vessels of 1,500 tons, carrying 1,000,000 or more feet of timber, load at Aratapu, Kopuru, Aoroa, and Naumai mills, while navigable waters for vessels of 500 tons extend for over a hundred miles up the various rivers, and steam launches and similar craft can travel for a further distance of a hundred miles. It is estimated that the water-frontage of the Kaipara, including the rivers, streams, and their numerous tributaries—most of which are used in connection with driving, floating, and rafting kauri timber —is about two thousand miles, or equal to the entire coast-line of New Zealand. During the year 1906 seventy-five sailingvessels and seventeen steamers, of a total tonnage of 49,925 tons, entered outwards from Kaipara. Expoet op Timber (December, 1905, to 31st December, 1906). From Kaipara: 40,737,954 ft.; value, £161,383. From Auckland and other ports : 27,540,764 ft.; value, £115,028. Total: 68,278,718 ft.; value, £276,411. Of the total export, about 18,000,000 ft. is kahikatea. Future Supplies. It does not seem possible to maintain the present output of kauri for many years, and the supply of other timbers for the local market must be looked for south of Auckland per the Rotorua and Main Trunk Railways, upon which an increasing number of mills are being erected. As it is impossible to at the same time encourage land settlement and preserve timber for milling purposes, it is suggested that the latter is of the greater importance, and that, in the interests of labour and future requirements, the time has arrived to seriously consider the desirability of sawmilling preceding settlement, seeing that nearly two-thirds of the marketable value of kauri is expended in labour, and also seeing that at least £15 per acre is expended in converting average (mixed) milling bush into marketable timber. Sawmilling does not lessen, but rather tends to increase, the value of land for settlement, to the extent of not less than £1 per acre. Bleeding Kauri-trees. Owing to the depredations of gum-seekers in the past, the practice of issuing special licenses to dig gum during winter months has been discontinued. Timber companies are now co-operating with the Department by appointing Rangers with a view to the preservation of the remaining forests. Action is taken against persons found trespassing thereon. Fires. With the exception of one large and three small trees in Kauri Park, there has not been any Crown forest destroyed during the year, although private owners have suffered losses in standing bush—logs, dams, and other property being destroyed by fire. Details of Mills. 1. Lane and Sons, Totara North, Whangaroa. —The mill is situated on the northern bank of the Whangaroa Harbour. It is specially equipped for cutting long lengths, which are used largely for shipbuilding, which industry is carried on by the firm in conjunction with their sawmilling operations. The mill cuts a variety of timber, but chiefly kauri, rimu, and kahikatea. Part of the surplus output over the firm's requirements is disposed of locally, while the remainder is exported to Sydney and the South Sea Islands. Supplies are obtained from freehold and Crown lands, and timber is also purchased in the open market. The industry is long established —about thirty years —and the sawmill is the only one remaining in the district. Cutting-capacity, 2,500,000 superficial feet; output, 1,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands,l4.

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lα. A. Long's Sawmill, Mangatete. —This mill, lately erected, is situated in the Mangatete district, Mangonui County, and about twenty miles north-west of the Township of Mangonui. The supplies for the mill are purchased from the settlers on the Otukai Block and others. The classes of timber cut are kauri, kahikatea, totara, rimu, &c. The output is at present all consumed locally for building requirements. Cutting-capacity, 1,000,000 superficial feet; output, 750,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 14. 2. Pukepoto Sawmill (McMasters). —The Pukepoto Sawmill is situated on the Kaitaia - Herekino Road, Mangonui County. It is equipped with planing machinery, and has been running for the past eight years. The supply of timber, which comprises a large variety —kauri, kahikatea, rimu, puriri, miro, towai, &c.—is obtained from the neighbouring Crown, Native, and European lands. The output is distributed by road over the surrounding districts, being used chiefly for building and bridging purposes. Cutting-capacity, 1,500,000 superficial feet ; output, 300,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 6. 3. Owhata Mill, Herekino (Mitchelson Timber Company). —The mill, recently erected, is substantially constructed, and well equipped with up-to-date appliances, and has now been in operation for six months. Eargihiki Mill is now dismantled. The supply is obtained from Government areas, Native land, and private holdings. The quantity in sight should koep the mill working for about five years. The difficulty in getting the timber away from this port is the bar harbour and shallow water. Export to Australia and southern Now Zealand ports. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 16. 4. Whaiigape Mill, Whangape (Mitchelson Timber Company). —The mill has been in operation for two years, and was constructed by the contractors to the company for converting the logs into sawn boards. The supply is obtained from Government, Native, and European lands, and will probably keep the mill working for four or five years. The difficalty of exporting from the port is the objection of shipowners to the bar harbour and narrow entrance, and the company have had to purchase vessels to convey the sawn timber from Whangape to the various ports. Export, Australia and southern Now Zealand ports. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 16. 5. Rangiora Mill, Hokianga. —This mill is situated on the foreshore of the Hokianga River, between Rawene and Kohukohu Townships. The mill is a medium-sized one, with modern equipment. The classes of timber milled are kauri, rimu, kahikatea, totara, the supplies being drawn from Crown, Native, and European lands within the Hokianga Estuary. The logs are floated to the mill in rafts, from various distances. The output is chiefly exported to Australia and southern New Zealand ports, the local demand being small. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 16. 6. Kohukohu Mill, Hokianga (Kauri Company). —This mill, situated at Kohukohu Township, Hokianga River, has been in active operation for about twenty-five years. The mill cuts chiefly kauri, of which it has a very limited supply, being nearly cut out. They operate on timber purchased from the Crown, and small quantities bought from the settlers, having no timber reserves of their own in the district. The mill is a substantial one, standing near the river-bank, and is about eighteen miles from the Hokianga Heads. With exception of small quantities disposed of locally for building purposes, practically the whole output is exported to Australia and southern New Zealand ports. Cuttingcapacity, 6,000,000 superficial feet; output, 5,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 40. 7. Dives and Ramsay, Rawene Mill. —This mill is situated at Rawene Township, on the eastern bank of the Hokianga River, about eighteen miles from the Heads. The mill, which is well equipped, is a moderately-sized one. The varieties of timber cvt —-rimu, kahikatea, kauri, and totara—are supplied from Native and European lands in the Hokianga watershed. After local requirements have been satisfied, the surplus is shipped, mostly to southern ports. Cutting-capacity, 2,000,000 superficial feet; output, 1,250,000 superficial feet; mill hands. 12. 8. New Zealand Timber Company, Hokianga. —This mill is situated at Koutu Point, on the eastern bank of the Hokianga River, and about five miles from the Heads. Erected about six years ago, it is a first-class milling plant. The supplies for the mill were mostly derived from Crown lands. Owing to an insufficiency of supplies, the mill is temporarily stopped, but will probably resume shortly. The major portion of the output, which consists principally of kauri, with a little totara, is exported to Australia. Cutting-capacity, 9,000,000 superficial feet; output, 3,200,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 30. 9. Waimamaku Sawmill, Hokianga (Kauri Timber Company). —This mill, which has only been in operation for about two years, is situated in the Waimamaku Valley, inlaud'about eight miles from Hokianga Heads. It is well equipped and substantially constructed, and derives its supplies from Crown areas and privately-owned land in the vicinity. A steam hauler is used in the bush, whence the logs are conveyed by steam tramway to the mill. The total annual output —consisting principally of kauri—is conveyed during the summer months by traction engine, and bullock and horse teams to Dunn's, thence by an iron tramway operated by a stationary engine on top of the hill; it is delivered at Omapere, where the company have erected a substantial wharf. From Omapere the timber is shipped to Australia and southern ports. Cutting-capacity, 3,000,000 superficial feet; output, 2,500.000 superficial feet; number of hands employed, 60. 10. Opua Mill, Bay of Islands. —This mill, which is of moderate size and well equipped, is situated at Opua, Bay of Islands. It has been in operation about six years, although of late it has not been cutting continuously, owing to a scarcity of logs. The classes of timber milled are kauri and a little kahikatea, supplies of which are obtained from European and Native lands. After local orders have been supplied the remainder is shipped to Australia and southern ports. Cutting - capacity, 4,ooo.ooo'supfrrfioial feet; output, 1,500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 18. 11. Mr. W. B. Stephen's Mill, Mangonui Bluff. —This mill is a small portable plant chiefly used in cutting railway-sleepers, while supplying the neighbouring settlers with house-timbers. The supplies —principally of totara—are bought from the neighbouring settlers. Cutting-capacity, 600,000 superficial feet; output, 300,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 6.

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A Kauri Trunk, 50ft. in girth, 42ft. in length, containing 78,750 sup. ft., Matakohb. (W. J. Parker.)

No. I.]

Trees on Banks of Tamaki Stream, Hawke's Bay.

No. 2.]

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12. Manders and Bradley, Puhipuhi. —This sawmill is situated on the banks of the Wairiki Stream, Puhipuhi State Forest, Bay of Islands County. The mill has been in operation between five and six years, and the supplies, which are mainly kauri, are taken from areas purchased from the Crown. The logs are driven down to the mill by dams constructed on the various creeks. The logs are then milled, and the sawn product is trammed a distance of three miles to Whakapara Railway-station, whence it is railed to Whangarei. and from there shipped to Auckland and Australian markets. 75 per cent, of output is exported to Australia, the remainder being disposed of locally and in Auckland. Cuttingcapacity, 4,500,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 27. 13. Foote Bros., Whakapara, Whangarei. —This mill is situated at Whakapara, near the railwaystation, on the Whangarei-Hukerenui line. After being actively engaged in cutting operations for a number of years, the firm have recently had to cease milling, owing to scarcity of supplies in the district. 14. Mangapai Mill (Cotdthard's). —This is a small mill, situated in the Mangapai Riding, Whangarei County, cutting logs taken chiefly from the old kauri working in the immediate neighbourhood, and logs wagoned by settlers sometimes with a view of cutting up so as to be returned in sawn planking for building purposes. The mill has been in existence for about six years, and is a portable.plant, the whole of its surplus being disposed of locally. Cutting-capacity, 1,000.000 superficial feet; output, 150,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 3. 15. Kaihu Sawmill, Northern Wairoa {James Trounson).—This mill, which is situated at the head of the Kaihu Valley, has been cutting constantly for the past nine years. It is substantially built and well equipped ; it derives its supplies—chiefly kauri and totara —from freehold land belonging to the mill-owner, while a small quantity of logs is purchased privately. Practically the whole output is conveyed by rail to Dargaville, sixteen miles distant, whence 40 per cent, is shipped to various ports in the colony, while 50 per cent, of the kauri is shipped to Australia. Cutting-capacity, 2,800,000 superficial feet; output, 2,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 20. 16. Tangowahine Mill, Kaipara {Robert Gibbons).— This mill is situated on the western bank of the Wairoa River, nine miles above Dargaville Township, and about fifty miles from the Kaipara Heads. The mill is substantially built, and is equipped with all modern sawmilling appliances, including electric light. The supplies are drawn from a large kahikatea forest (purchased from private owners) standing in the vicinity of the mill, and connected with it by a horse-tram line. The timbers cut are principally kahikatea, the output being exported to Australia. Cutting-capacity, 4,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 2,500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 28. 17. Aoroa Mills, Kaipara (Mitchelson Timber Company).— These mills have been in operation since 1890. They are substantially built and fully equipped with up-to-date appliances for converting and dressing kauri and kahikatea timbers for the Australian and southern New Zealand markets. The mills are reputed to be the finest in the North Island, fronting the Northern Wairoa River, with wharfage accommodation for loading large vessels. The supply is obtained from Government areas and private holdings in the Kaipara district. The quantity of standing forest is, however, steadily diminishing, and in a few years the forests suitable for milling will be cut out. Cutting-capacity, 13,000,000 superficial feet; output, 10,500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 39. 18. The Kaipara Sawmill Company, Kaipara.— The mill is situated five miles up-stream from the Township of Dargaville, on the eastern bank of the Wairoa River. The mill is equipped with up-to-date machinery, and has been actively engaged in cutting timber for the last ten years. The supplies for the mill are drawn principally from private owners, the logs being floated over considerable distances to the mill from the following rivers—Wairoa, Mangakahia, and Mangonui—and from their numerous tributaries. The varieties of timber cut comprise kauri, rimu, kahikatea, totara, and a little matai. The major portion is exported to the Australian markets. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 48. 19. Aratapu Sawmills, Kaipara {Kauri Timber Company). —These mills, situated on the western bank of the Northern Wairoa River, have been in active operation about thirty-five years ; but during the year 1906 they have had to discontinue cutting, as supplies are no longer available in the district to keep a plant of such large dimensions running. The mills were one of the largest plants in the colony, cutting exclusively kauri, and having a cutting-capacity of 14,000,000 ft. per annum. The enforced stoppage of these mills is a serious loss to the district, as they have been large employers of labour for many years. The mill buildings still remain, but a quantity of the machinery has been removed to other parts of the district. 20. Kopuru Sawmills, Kaipara {Kauri Timber Company).— These mills are situated on the western bank of the Northern Wairoa River, about thirty miles from its mouth. They have been actively engaged in cutting operations for about forty years. The supplies from the mills are drawn from the Wairoa watershed and from the several counties which the Wairoa drains—namely, Hobson, part Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Otamatea, and Hokianga Counties. The timber is all floated to the mills from various distances. ' The kind of timber cut is exclusively kauri, the major portion of which is exported to Australia. Occasionally cargoes are sent to the United Kingdom. Cutting-capacity, 14,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 11,000,000 superficial feet ; hands employed, 120. 21. Northern Wairoa Timber Company, Tatararaiki, Kaipara. —This mill is situated on the western bank of the Northern Wairoa River, about thirty-five miles up-stream from the Kaipara Heads. The mill has been cutting continuously for the last twenty years. The supplies are drawn from an extensive area, and the mill depends to a large extent upon timber purchased in the log from settlers on the Wairoa River and tributaries. The mill is a well-equipped one, and the kinds of timber cut comprise kauri, kahikatea, rimu, totara —the greater portion is kahikatea —which is exported to Australia and the

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southern ports of New Zealand. Cutting-capacity, 11,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 7,950,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 60. 22 White Pine Company (Naumai, Kaipara).— The mill is situated on the eastern bank of the Northern Wairoa Eiver, about twenty-six miles from its mouth. The mill has been in existence about five years, is thoroughly up to date, and equipped with modern machinery. The proprietors possess extended cutting rights from the Crown over a large area of kahikatea forest m the near vicinity ot the mill from which their supplies are exclusively drawn. The mill and forest are connected by a steam tramway three miles in length, and all log-supplies are brought to the mill by this means of transit. The timber cut comprises kahikatea (chiefly), rimu, and matai, the whole of which is exported to Australia and southern New Zealand ports. Capacity, 10,000,000 superficial feet; output. 5,000,0(X) superficial feet ; mill hands, 50. 23 Smith Bros., Matakohe Mill.— The mill, having been in operation for over a quarter of a century was during the latter part of the year accidentally burnt down and totally destroyed by tire. Messrs. Smith Bros., the proprietors, have not as yet decided whether to re-erect the mill on the original site"or not. It may probably be rebuilt in another part of the district. 24 ChadwicJc's Mill, Pahi.— This mill is situated on the Te Pahi (Kaipara) estuary of the Arapaoa River ; it has been cutting continuously for about twenty-five years, and the supplies are now taken from areas purchased from the Crown in the Tangihua Forest, Wairoa River watershed. This timber is towed by rafting steamer from Wairoa to Pahi, a distance of about ninety miles. After supplying local requirements, which are limited, the sawn product is exported to Australia and southern New Zealand ports. Kauri is the only variety of timber cut. The mill is well found and substantially erected. Cutting - capacity, 3,000,000 superficial feet; output, 3,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 21. 25. Helensville Mill (Coulthard's).—Thh mill stands on the bank of the Helensville River at Helensville (Kaipara), thirty-eight miles by rail from Auckland. The mill (erected on the site ot a large mi now non-existent) has been in operation about two years and a half, is a good plant, though ot small dimensions. Their supply is purchased from surrounding settlers, and is chiefly timber taken trom " old workings " worked by the former company. Kauri, kahikatea, and rimu are the principal kinds milled, and the output is disposed of locally and in Auckland. Cutting-capacity, 2,000,000 superficial feet; output, 1,500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 13. 26. Auckland Mill (Kauri Timber Company).—One of the largest milling plants in the Auckland Province; situated within city limits, and standing on the foreshore of Auckland Harbour. I his mill has one of the best-equipped and most complete plants in the Southern Hemisphere, both tor the conversion of the log into planking and also for the manufacture of joinery, in which the firm deals largely. The supplies for the mill are brought by water carriage from various distances per medium oi scow and rafting-steamer. From Mangonui in the north to Tairua in the south is the radius whence their supplies are drawn. The supplies are obtained from Native lease, private owners, and Crown areas. A large percentage of the output is sold locally for building requirements, the residue being sent to southern New Zealand markets and Australia. Cutting-capacity, 15,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 11,000,000 superficial feet ; hands employed, 300. 27. Leyland and O'Brien Company, Auckland. — This mill is situated in Customs Street West, Auckland City ; is equipped with all modern appliances for the conversion of the log into the sawn product. The mill cuts principally kauri, the logs being brought from a distance by scow and raft; all supplies are brought by water to the mill, and are purchased from the Crown and private owners. The major portion of the output is disposed of locally, a small amount being exported. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 5,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 54. 28 l>. Goldie, Oceanic Sawmill, Auckland.— -The Oceanic Sawmills are substantially built, in Auckland City, the main mill being built on the foreshore of the harbour near the Railway Wharf, and adjacent to the goods-shed. The mill has been in operation about twenty years, and has lately been rebuilt on thoroughly modern lines. The log-frame is supposed to be the largest in New Zealand, and special machinery has been introduced for the safe and expeditious handling of flitch timbers. The supplies for this mill are drawn from forests situated mainly in the north of Auckland, purchased from the Crown and private owners. The supplies are towed by rafting-steamers, and a small percentage is carried by scows. The varieties of timber cut are mostly kauri, with a little rimu and totara. 50 per cent, of the output is disposed of locally, the remainder being exported to Australia and southern ports of New Zealand. The firm also possess a planing-plant in Albert Street. Cuttmg-capaeitv, 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 70. 29. Waitemata Sawmill Company, Auckland City.— This mill is situated on the reclaimed foreshore of Auckland Harbour, near the Railway Wharf and goods-shed. It is a medium-sized mill, of substantial build, and possessing modern machinery. Its supplies are drawn from the North Auckland district and the Thames Peninsula, and aTe conveyed to the mill in rafts and scows. The classes of timber milled comprise kauri (principally), totara, kahikatea, purchased from the Crown and private individuals. Nearly all the output is consumed locally, but a small quantity is sent to southern markets. Cutting-capacity, 4,000,000 superficial feet; output, 3,200,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 60. 30 Cashmore Bros., Ponsonby.— This mill is situated at Cox's Creek, Ponsonby (a suburb of Auckland), and has been in operation about eight years. The mill and plant are of modern build and equipment and of medium size. Supplies are brought from the Coromandel Peninsula and the North ot Auckland districts, being conveyed by scows and rafts to the mill. The timber milled is principally kauri. The output is used locally and coastwise, though a small quantity is exported. Cutting-capacity, 3,500,000 superficial feet; output, 3,400,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 30.

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31. Leyland and O'Brien Company, No. 2 Mill. —This mill is situated in Mechanics Bay, Auckland, and stands on the reclaimed foreshore of the harbour, close to wharves, railway, &c. The mill has been in operation for a number of years, and is up to date in every particular —in buildings, plant, and equipment. The mill cuts kauri, totara, rimu, and white-pine, nearly all the output being used in the Auckland Province. The supplies are all brought from a distance, chiefly by water. The timber used is purchased from the Crown and private owners. Cutting-capacity. 5,000,000 superficial feet; output, 5,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands,- 50. 32. Parker, Lamb, and Co., Auckland. —One of the most up-to-date mills in the colony, being equipped with the most recent inventions in sawmilling machinery. Electric light is installed for night shifts. The mill is situated in Freeman's Bay, Auckland City, and has a harbour frontage. The logsupplies are brought from considerable distances by scows, rafts, and steamers, and are purchased in the open market; also, a quantity of standing timber is purchased from time to time from the Crown by public tender. The classes of timber cut are kauri, kahikatea, rimu, and totaTa. The major portion of the output is disposed of locally, but the balance is exported to Australia and southern New Zealand ports. Cutting-capacity, 7,000,000 superficial feet; output, 6,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands. 70. 33. Macldow Bros., Auckland. —The Auckland Sawmills (Macklow Bros.) are situated in Mechanics Bay, City of Auckland, having a harbour frontage ; they are close to the wharf and railway-station. It is an old-established firm, with a well-equipped mill, doing a large and growing trade in sawn timber, boxes of all kinds, joinery, &c. The log-supply is obtained from the North of Auckland, where the firm have extensive bushes of kauri, totara, rimu, white-pine, &c. The supplies are brought to the mill in vessels owned by the firm. The output is chiefly disposed of locally, the balance being shipped to southern New Zealand ports. Cutting-capacity, 4,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 3,250,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 39. 34. Onehunga Timber Com.pany. —This mill, formerly owned by the Kauri Timber Company, stands on the foreshore of the Manukau Estuary at Onehunga, being a medium-sized mill of substantial build, containing modern machinery. The supplies for the mill are brought principally from Hokianga and the Northern Wairoa, Kaipara district, being conveyed to the mill by scow. The kinds of timbers milled are rimu. kauri, and kahikatea, the output being disposed of locally. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 35. 35. Mercury Bay, Coromandd County (Kauri Timber Company). —In Mercury Bay the sawmilling industry has been in operation for about forty years. The present mill is of modern construction, and is up to date in every particular, and is deemed sufficient to cut out the whole of the remaining milling timber. The supply is mostly obtained from Native leases, and cutting is confined exclusively to kauri, and the output is shipped to Auckland, southern New Zealand ports, and Australia. Cutting-capacity, 8,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 7,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 60. 36. Tairua, Thames County (Kauri Timber Company). —Tairua is situated on the east coast, south of Mercury Bay, and has been connected with sawmilling since the early days. Kauri is the only timber available, and the present mill is amply sufficient to deal with the whole of the milling-timber remaining in the locality. The output is shipped coastwise to southern ports and Australia. Cutting-capacity, 7,000,000 superficial feet; output, 6,000,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 60. •'57. Robert Gibbons, Kopu, Thames County. —This mill is situated on the eastern bank of the Waihou River, about five miles south of the Thames Township, and close to the Kopu Station, on the ThamesAuckland line. The mill stands fronting the river, and has medium-sized plant of modern construction. Adjacent to the mill a commodious wharf has been erected by the firm to facilitate the loading of vessels. Kahikatea is exclusively the class of timber milled, the supplies being drawn from freehold and Native lands in the Thames Valley. The output is chiefly exported to the Australian Colonies. Cuttingcapacity, 5,500,000 superficial feet; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 25. 38. Bedford Bros., Puriri, Thames. —This is a small mill situated about two miles north-east of the Puriri Railway-station, on the Auckland-Thames Railway. The motive power for the mill is taken from a Pelton wheel, driven by water-power, with a pressure of 30 lb. Supplies are taken from private freehold land, the classes of timber being kauri, rimu, tawa, &c. The output is utilised locally. Cut-ting-capacity, 75,000 superficial feet; output, 40,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 3. 39. Bagnatt Bros., Turua, Thames. —This mill, situated on the Waihou River, Thames County, stands fronting the river-bank about ten miles from the mouth. The mill has been cutting about thirty years, and has a substantial and well-equipped plant of medium size. The supplies are taken from what was formerly a large area of kahikatea forest standing in the rear of the mill premises—a large portion is now cut out. This forest is the private property of the mill-owners. The timber cut is exclusively kahikatea, the output being exported to Australia and New Zealand ports, as the local consumption is small. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 4,967,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 70. 40. KusaVs Mill, Mercer, Manukau County. —This is an old-established milling plant situated in the Townshij) of Mercer, on the Auckland-Waikato Railway line, cutting exclusively kahikatea, the supplies of which are drawn from the Native and European lands in the neighbourhood. The total output is utilised locally. Cutting-capacity, 1,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 600,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 10. 41. Paeroa Sawmill (Forrest and Clark). —-This mill has been in operation nearly eight years, and is cutting kauri, rimu, and kahikatea timbers. The supplies for the mill consist mostly of timbers purchased from the Crown, and of a small percentage bought from private owners. The mill is situated in Paeroa Township, Ohinemuri County, and is a modern plant of good equipment. In conjunction

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with the mill a fully equipped joinery factory is worked. The total output is absorbed locally, but the supply is unequal to the demand. Cutting-capacity, 2,000,000 superficial feet; output, 656,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 15. 42. Tamaki Sawmill, Waihi (B. L. Knight).— This is a small plant situated about five miles south of Waihi, and connected with that town by a light tram-line. The timber cut is principally rimu, which is purchased from the Crown. The timber-supply in the locality being nearly exhausted, the life of this mill is limited. The total output is disposed of in Waihi, and is used for building and mining purposes. Cutting-capacity, 750,000 superficial feet ; output, 230,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 4. 43 Tamaki Sawmill, Katikati (B. L. Knight).— -This sawmill is situated on the banks of the Wai-te-Ngawe Stream, Katikati, County Tauranga. It depends for its supplies from timber purchased from the Crown, and the mill has been cutting for about five years. The plant is suitable for requirements. The timber cut is principally kauri and a little rimu, all of which is trammed to Waihi, a distance of about ten miles, where there is a ready and increasing demand for all classes of timber. Cuttingcapacity, 2,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 1,500,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 10. 44. Cashmore Bros, and Judd, Wairakau Mill, Katikati.—This mill is erected some four miles southwest of Katikati Village, Tauranga County. Its supplies are drawn from Crown areas in the Wairakau watershed, in the near vicinity of the mill. . The quantity is limited, and there is no suitable kauri growing south of the mill under notice ; as a mattter of fact, kauri forest ends at Katikati. The sawn timber is trammed to a point on the Katikati Harbour, six miles distant, and is thence shipped in scow to Auckland. The only timber cut is kauri, the greater portion being sent to Auckland. The residue is disposed of in Waihi for mining purposes. Cutting-capacity, 3,000,000 superficial feet; output, 1,500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 22. 45. Tawpiri Sawmill (Bollard and Bailey).—This mill is situated at Taupiri, on the Auckland-Wai-kato Railway, and is about sixty miles distant from Auckland. The mill has a medium-sized plant, well found, and equipped with modern sawmilling machinery, and has been in operation about seven years. The class of timber cut is kahikatea, the firm having acquired cutting-rights over a large area of freehold land in the vicinity. The sawn output is disposed of locally and in the Auckland market, Cutting-capacity, 1,500,000 superficial feet ; output, 1,000,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 15. 46. Ngaruawahia Mill, Ngaruawahia.— This mill is erected on the southern bank of the Waipa River, at its junction with the Waikato. The cutting comprises mixed timber, chief of which is kahikatea, and the output is utilised for local requirements. Cutting-capacity, 1,200,000 superficial feet ; output, 750,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 12. 47. Steele Bros., Mamaku, Rotorua County.—This mill has been in operation for some time, and is connected by tramway with the Mamaku Railway-station. The cutting comprises rimu, totara, matai, &c, and the output is distributed by rail to adjacent townships and district. Cutting-capacity, 3,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 2,300,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 20. 48. Mountain Rimu Company, Mamaku, Rotorua.—The Mountain Rimu Company's mill is situated at Mamaku, a rising settlement on the Auckland-Rotorua Railway, about thirteen miles north of the latter town.' The bush is at the summit of the mountain-range, and the mill stands at an elevation of 1 884 ft. above sea-level. It has now been in active operation for over ten years, and the company possess over 4,000 acres of freehold, and in addition to that they purchase from settlers on the adjoining properties, this benefiting both parties. The mill cuts principally rimu, and stands within a mile of the railway-station. The timber is thus conveyed to the Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Waikato, and Auckland markets. The total output is used provincially. Cutting-capacity, 4,000,000 superficial feet ; output, 4,000,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 65. 49. Mamaku Sawmilling Company, Mamaku, Rotorua County.—This mill is situated near Mamaku Railway-station, and is connected therewith by a horse-tram. The supplies are obtained mostly from Native leases, and the following varieties are milled : rimu, totara, matai, &c. The output is disposed of locally, in adjacent districts, and in Auckland. Cutting-capacity, 1,250,000 superficial feet ; output, 1,250,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 20. 50. Rotorua Rimu Company, Mamaku, Rotorua County.—This mill is erected near Mamaku Township, and is connected therewith by tramway. The supplies are derived from Native and other lands. The output comprises rimu, totara, matai, &c, and is distributed by rail to various other railway-stations extending from Rotorua to Auckland. Cutting-capacity, 3,500,000 superficial feet; output, 3,500,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 36. 51. Arahiwi Timber Company, Piako County.—This mill is situated about a mile and a half east of Arahiwi Railway-station, and is connected with the Auckland-Rotorua Railway by tram-line. Supplies for the mill are derived from Crown and other lands, and comprise rimu, matai, totara, &c. The mill has been in operation about one year, and the product is conveyed by rail to Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, and Thames, and other districts. Cutting-capacity, 1,500,000 superficial feet; output, 1,000,000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 16. 52. Bartholemew Timber Company, Piako County. —This mill is situated about eight miles southwest of the Ngatirau Railway-station, on the Auckland-Rotorua line. The company are having a tramline constructed, eight miles in length, and also a railway-siding, between the Ngatira and Putaruru railway-stations. The mill is in course of erection, and is expected to be running in full swing in June next. A service mill is at present engaged in cutting timber used in the construction of the permanent mill, &c. The milling timbers comprise totara, rimu, matai, rewarewa, &c, and supplies are taken at present from Native land. No timber has been exported to date. Cutting-capacity, 5,000,000 superficial feet ; anticipated output, t,000,000 superficial feet; 24 men at present employed.

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Kauri-trees at Matakohe. (Parker-Lamb Timber Company.)

No. 3

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53. Otorohanga Sawmill (Ellis and Burnand), Waitomo County. —This mill lias been in active operation for about fourteen years, and has several more years' cutting in sight. Its supplies are obtained generally from Native land, and consist principally of kahikatea, but there is also cut a fair quantity of rimu, matai, &c. The mill adjoins th"c Otorohanga Railway-station, and is connected with its bush by a line of tramway (crossing the Waipa River) of about four miles long. The head office is situated at Hamilton, where the proprietors have a large sash ami door and butter-box factory, employing seventy hands. As this firm draws additional supplies from their mills in the Taranaki and Wellington Provinces, it will be seen that Auckland is now drawing part supplies from the provinces named. Cutting-capacity, 2,500,000 superficial Eei I : output, 2,250.000 superficial feet; mill hands. 30. 54. Tawpo Totara Timber Company, Mokai, East Taupo County. —These mills are situated about seventeen miles west of Taupo Village, and have been in active operation for about eighteen months. The supplies are obtained from Native, European, and Crown lands, and are said to be amply sufficient for all requirements for many years. The plant is extensive and up to date. The produce is conveyed by the company's private line a distance of fifty-two miles to nearest railway-station, thence to nearest shipping port; the distance is 140 miles by Government line. There is a good local demand for the output, but the major portion is shipped to Wellington and other New Zealand ports. Cuttingcapacity, 18,000,000 superficial feet; output, 15,000,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 300. 55. Henderson's Mill, Waitangi, West Tawpo County. —This mill is situated about ten miles up the Taringamutu Valley from the railway-station of that name on the Auckland-Wellington Main Trunk line. This is also a comparatively new mill, having been erected some three years ago. The supplies are drawn from the Native bush adjacent to the mill. The company also have an extensive bush on the south side of the Taringamutu Valley. The classes of timber cut consist of totara, matai, kahikatea, and rimu. Produce delivered by railway to surrounding districts. Cutting-capacity, 1,250,000 superficial feet; output, 750,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 10. 55. Lovett and Ryan, Taringamutu, West Taupo County. —This is a small mill situated on the south side of the Taringamutu Stream, being about half a mile distant, and about three miles by road from the Main Trunk Railway at Taringamutu. Like other mills in this district, it has only been working about two years ; its supplies are at present drawn from a small patch of Native-owned bush, the output being used locally. Class of timber cut consists of totara, matai, and rimu. Cutting-capacity, 800,000 superficial feet; output, 500,000 superficial feet; mill hands, 6. 57. Taumarunui Timber Company, West Taupo County. —This company's mill is situated on the Main South Road, about one mile north of Taumarunui Township and Railway-station. The mill is a useful size, fully equipped with modern appliances, and is connected with the bush workings by an excellent tram-line. A steam hauler is used in the bush. Supplies are obtained from Crown and Native land, and comprise totara, matai, rimu, and kahikatea. The produce is disposed of locally and in surrounding districts. Dimension orders are also executed for Roads and Railway Departments. Cuttingcapacity, 1,600.000 superficial feet; output, 800,000 superficial feet; hands employed, 14. 58. Andrews and Greening, Weal Taupo.—This mill is situated in Taumarunui Township. Supplies arc drawn from Native and Crown lands. The class of timber cut is principally totara and matai. Produce is disposed of locally or in adjoining districts. Cutting-capacity. 1,000,000 superficial feet; output. 600.000 superficial feet ; mill hands, 7. 59. Pulvtapu Timber Company, West Taupo. — These mills are situated on the Auckland-Welling-ton Main Trunk Railway, at its junction with the Wanganui River. Operations commenced about two years ago, and recently the company have erected a second mill, thus considerably increasing the output. Supplies are drawn from Native-owned bush, over which it is said the company own extensive cutting rights. The company have; constructed some miles of light railway, connecting the bush workings with their mills ; the latter are fully equipped with modern appliances. The principal timbers cut are totara, matai, kahikatea, and rimu. About 25 per cent, of the produce is disposed of locally, and the remainder is despatched to Wellington and southern New Zealand ports. Distance from mill to nearest shipping port, per Government railway, 175 miles. Cutting-capacity. 7,000.000 superficial feet; output, 6,000,000 superficial feet ; hands employed., 125.

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Schedule of Sawmills. [* Failed to furnish required information. Return form, with circular, was posted to each of fifty-six sawmillers, of which only twenty-five replied.]

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. 1.14 _3. Cutting capacity of Mill per Annum. *o -a Purposes for which Timber is utilised: „ *.£$. ia) Locally, tor Construction of Houses, or in conOutput per o nection with Kailway and Koad Works; Annum. £« ft ,(,) Sending to another District; 5 S (c) For Export outside the Colony. I ' I " I Sup. ft. 2,500,000 1. Lane and Sons .. j Whangaroa Native and private .. I Kauri, rimu, kahikatea .. 50 Sup. ft. 1,000,000 14 I Used locally for shipbuilding purposes. A small quantity exported. 14 ; Local requirements and coastwise. 1a. A.Long .. Mangatete Crown section, leasehold, and j European Crown, Native, and European : Kauri, kahikatea, totara, rimu Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, totara Kauri 12 1,000,000 750,000 2. MoMasters .. Pukepoto 10 1,500,000 300,000 6 | Looal requirements. 3. Mitehetson Company Herekino i Kauri, rimu Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, totara, mixed Kauri Rimu, kahikatea, kauri, totara Kauri 25 20 25 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 16 | Export Australia and southern New Zealand ports. 16 Ditto. 16 4. „ Whangape *5. Eangiora .. .. Narrows •6. Kauri Company .. Kohukohu •7. Dives and Ramsay Rawene Native and European 80 20 6,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 1,250,000 40 ; . 12 Export coastwise ; also local requirements. •8. New Zealand Timber Koutu Point Company *9. Kauri Company .. Waimamaku Crown 85 ( 9,000,000 3,200,000 30 Export, Australia mostly (closed down at present). 60 Export coastwise, Australia ; also local requirements. 18 ! Export coastwise, and local requirements. 6 ■ Railway-sleepers and local requirements. 27 : 75 per cent, exported to Australia, 25 per cent, locally. Crown and European 25 3,000,000 2,500,000 •10. Simpson .. .. Opua •11. W. B. Stephens .. Mangonui Bluff .. 12. Manders, Bradley .. Puhipuhi.. Native and European European Crown Kauri, kahikatea Rimu, totara, kauri Kauri 40 12 40 4,000,000 600,000 4,500,000 1,500,000 300,000 4,000,000 13. Foote Bros. •14. Coulthard .. Maungakaramea .. 15. J. Trounson .. Opanaki Cut out (ceased cutting) European .. Kauri, totara, rimu, &c. Kauri, rimu, totara, kahikatea Kahikatea Kauri Kahikatea 10 45 1,000,000 2,800,000 150,000 2,000,000 3 ; Timber used locally. 20 (a) 100,000 ft.; (o) 900,000 ft.; (c) 1,000,000 ft. 16. Gibbons .. .. Tangowahine 17. Mitchelson .. Aoroa 18. Kaipara Company.. Grahamsfern 19. Kauri Company .. Aratapu 20. „ .. Te Kopuru Crown and European 32 40 100 4,000,000 13,500,000 5,000,000 2,500,000 10,500,000 4,000,000 28 , Major portion of output expirted to Australia. 39 j Export Australia and south New Zealand ports. 48 Bulk exported Australia and southern ports. Ceased cutting Crown and European Kauri 120 14,000,000 11,000,000 120 Export Australia and southern ports ; occasionally United Kingdom. 60 90 per cent, exported Australia. 21. N.W. Timber Com- Tatararaiki pany 22. White Pine Company Naumai .. 23. Smith Bros. ..» Matakohe •24. Chadwick .. Pahi Crown, European, and Native Kauri, rimu, kahikatea .. 210 11,000,000 7,950,000 Crown Crown and private (ceased cutting) Crown Kahikatea Kauri 100 10,000,000 5,000,000 50 Exported outside colony. Mill accidentally burned. 40 3,000,000 3,000,000 21 Major portion southern ports and export to Australia. 13 Locally and Auckland market. 25. Coulthard .. Helensville 26. Kauri Company .. Auckland 27. Leyland, O'Brien European Rimu, kahikatea, kauri, mixed Kauri.. 25 2,000,000 1,500,000 Crown, Native, and European 140 60 15,000,000 5,000,000 11,000,000 5,000,000 300 Looally and export to southern New Zealand ports. 54 Locally and interprovincial; 300,000 ft. per annum exported to Australia.

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28. D. Goldie 29. Waitemata Company 30. Cashmore Bros. 31. Leyland. O'Brien .. 32. Parktr, Lamb, and Oo. 33. Macklow Bros. 28. D. Goldie .. , .. European .. .. . .. .. .. 90 5,000,000 1 4,000,000 29. Waitemata Company , .. Crown and European .. ..40 4,000,000 I 3,200,000 1 30. Cashmore Bros. .. Ponsonby .. Native and European .. » ..' .. .. 35 3,500,000 3,400,000 31. Levland, O'Brien .. Auckland .. Crown, European, and Native Rmu, kahikatea, totara 40 5,000,000 5,000,000 I 32. Parktr, Lamb, and , ... , „ Kauri, totara, kahikatea 45 7,000,000 6,000,000! Oo. Ponsonby Auckland European Crown and European Native and European Crown, European, and Native 90 40 35 40 45 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 5,000,000 7,000,000 70 63 30 50 70 50 per cent, used locally, 50 per oent. exported. A small quantity exported, remainder used locally. Locally and other districts, also export. Local requirements. Locally and other districts, also export. R mu, kahikatea, totara Kauri, totara, kahikatea • a. n 33. Macklow Bros. .. „ .. Crown and European .. Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, 42 4,000,000 3,250,000 i Crown and European Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, totara Rimu, kauri, kahikatea.. Kauri 42 4,000,000 39 Local and interprovineial. 34. Onehunga Company *35. Kauri Company totara 34. Onehunga Company Onehunga .. , .. Rimu, kauri, kahikatea.. 40 5,000,000 4,000,000 "35. Kauri Company .. Mercury Bay .. . .. Kauri.. . .. .. 50 8,000,000 7,000,000 Onehunga Mercury Bay 40 50 5,000,000 8,000,000 35 j 60 Locally. Locally, Auckland, southern ports, and Australian Colonies. Locally, Auckland and southern ports, and Australian Colonies. Major portion output to Australia. Mining timber and local orders. Two-thirds output exported, balance used locally. Local requirements. Local consumpti .n for house-building, bridging, and mining requirements. Mostly Waihi market. Used locally for building and mining purposes. Exported to Australia, also coastwise. Local requirements. •36. '36. „ .. Tairua .. .. „ ..... .. ..80 7,000,000 6,000,000 Tairua 80 7,000,000 60 37. Robert Gibbons .. *38. Bedford Bros. 39. Bagnall Bros. 37. Robert Gibbons .. Kopu .. .. European and Native .. Kahikatea .. .. 100 5,500,000 4,000,000' "38. Bedford Bros. .. Puriri .. .. Crown .. .. .. Kauri, rimu, tawa .. 6 75,000; 40,000 ] 39. Bagnall Bros. .. Turua .. .. Native and European .. Kahikatea .. .. 25 5,000,000! 4,967,000 Kopu Puriri Turua European and Native Crown Native and European Kahikatea Kauri, rimu, tawa Kahikatea 100 6 25 5,500,000 75,000 5,000,000 25 70 40. Kusab's 41. Forrest and Clark .. 40. Kusab's .. .. Mf-rcer .. .. , .. „ .. -.12 1,000,000 | 600,000 41. Forrest and Clark.. Paeroa .. .. Crown, Native, and European Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, 25 2,000,000 656,000 maniraeo. matai Mr-rcer Paeroa Crown, Native, and European Kauri, rimu, kahikatea, mangaeo, matai R mu, mangaeo, kahikatea Kauri.. .. 12 25 1,000,000 2,000,000 10 15 42. B. L. Knight 43. 44. Cashmore and Judd *45. B .Hard and Bailey 46. Ngaruawahia Company •47. Steele Bros. 48. Mountain Rimu Company •49. Mamaku Sawmill Company •50. Rotorua Rimu Com- ; pany •51. ArahiwiTimberCom pany 52. Bartholemew Company 53. Ellis and Burnand '54. Taupo Totara Timber Company *55. Henderson mangaeo, macai 42. B. L. Knight .. Waimata, Waihi .. Crown .. .. .. R mu, mangaeo, kahikatea 12 750,000! 230,000 43. . .. Katikati, Waihi .. . .. .. .. Kauri.. .. .. 40 2,000,000 ! 1,500,000 44. Cashmore and Judd , „ .. „ .. .. .. „ .. .. 80 3,000,000; 1,500,000 •45. B .Hard and Bailey Taupiri .. .. European .. .. Kahikatea .. .. 16 1,500,000 1,000,000 46. Ngaruawahia Com- Ngaruawahia .. European and Native .. Kahikatea, rimu, totara, 12 1,200,000 750,000 nanv matai pany matai '47. Steele Bros. .. Mamaku.. .. Crown and European .. Rimu, totara, matai .. 40 3,000,000 2,300,000 48. Mountain Rimu ..... . .. R mu, totara, kahikatea 80 4,000,000 4,000,000 ComDanv uompany '49. Mamaku Sawmill „ .. .. European .. .. Rimu, totara, matai .. 20 1,250,000 1,250,000 Oomoanv Waimata, Waihi .. Katikati, Waihi .. Taupiri Ngaruawahia Mamaku Crown European European and Native Crown and European European Native Kahikatea Kahikatea, rimu, totara, matai Rimu, totara, matai R mu, totara, kahikatea Rimu, totara, matai 12 40 80 16 12 40 80 20 750,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 1,500,000 1,200,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 1,250,000 4 10 22 15 12 20 65 20 Local and other districts. Locally, Auckland and coastwise. Locally and other districts. '50. Rotorua Rimu Com- I „ .. .. Native .. .. .. . . „ .. ' 33 3,500,000 3,500,000 pany ' 33 J 3,500,000 36 Locally ; surplus sent other districts. '51. ArahiwiTimberCom Arahiwi .. .. Native and European .. , „ ..20 1,500,000 1,000,000 nanv Arahiwi Native and European 20 1,500,000 16 Local and Auckland markets. pany 52. Bartholemew Com- Ngatira .. .. Native .. .. .. Rimu, totara, matai, re- 142 5,000,000 nanv warfiwn. Ngatira Native Rimu, totara, matai, rewarewa Kahikatea, rimu, matai.. T tara, matai, little rimu, kahikatea Totara, matai, kahikatea, rimu Totara, rimu, matai Totara, matai, rimu, kahikatea Rimu, kahikatea, totara Totara, matai, rimu, white-pine 142 5,000,000 24 A new mill; anticipate annual output 4,000,000ft. per annum ; no timber exported to da>e. Adjoining districts and Auckland markets. Auckland, southern ports, and local orders. pany warewa 53. Ellis and Burnand Otorohanga .. „ .. .. .. Kahikatea, rimu, matai.. 34 2,500,000 2,250,000 '54. Taupo Totara Tim- Mokai .. .. Native, European, and Crown T tara, matai, little rimu, 200 18,000,000 15,000,000 ber ComDanv kahikatea Otorohanga Mokai Native, European, and Crown 34 200 2,500,000 18,000,000 30 300 uer ijompauy KaniKacea "55. Henderson .. Taringamutu .. European and Native .. Totara, matai, kahikatea, 20 1,250,000 750,000 rimn Taringamutu European and Native 20 1,250,000 10 Distributed by railway to surrounding districts, Mam Trunk line. Locally and adjoining districts. Local markets. •56. Lovet and Ryan .. *57. Taumarunui Timber Company *58. Andrews and Co. .. 59. Puketapu Timber Companyrimu '56. Lovet and Ryan .. „ .. Native .. .. .. Totara, rimu, matai .. 10 800,000 500,000 '57. Taumarunui Timber Taumarunui .. Crown and Native.. .. Totara, matai, rimu, ka- 12 1,600,000 800,000 Company hikalea vjuuipa,ny UlEaiea '58. Andrews and Co. .. . .. Native and part Crown .. Rimu, kahikatea, totara 1 1,000,000 j 600,000 59. Puketapu Timber Matapuna .. Native .. .. .. Totara, matai, rimu, 70 7,000,000' 6,000,000 Company white-pine Taumarunui Matapuna Native Crown and Native.. Native and part Crown Native 10 12 1 70 800,000 1,600,000 1,000,000 7,000,000 6 14 7 125 Local markets and adjoining districts. 75 per cent. Wellington and southern ports; remainder local. - Totals V44.[,au ; H1.1UC- 1 ..11C Totals .. .. .. .. 2,847 256,325,000 190,543,000 ■• 2,847 256,325,000 2,367 I I I I I l I 1 I Averages. —Fifty-nine mills: Average horse-power, 51 ; average cutting-capacity, 4,577,000 superficial feet; avers .f hands employed, 40. age output, 3,402,000 superficial feet ; age ou' averagi

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HAWKE'S BAY. The following are some interesting particulars in connection with the sawmilling industry in the southern portion of the Hawke's Bay Land District-an industry which, unfortunately, will soon be a feature of the past in this district, owing to its supply becoming exhausted or toe.difficult 01 access to nay to work at present. It is estimated that at the present rate of cutting, m about four years time there will be very few, if any, mills working, and many mill-owners are taking steps to secure milling bush outside of Hawke's Bay District. „ Starting from Weber and proceeding towards Dannevirke, the first mill to be met with is one in the Ngapaeruru Block, some six miles off the main road, owned by J. Gilmour and cutting over Crown settlers' leaseholds. The plant is a small one, with a 4-horse-power portable engine, and executing local orders. Some 22,000 ft. of totara timber was supplied for roadworks during the year. Next to be met with are the Union Timber Company (Limited) and W. G. Hunter, working on Native land and Crown settlers' leaseholds respectively, the timber from the former finding a market in Wanganui, Wellington, and Palmerston North. From Hunter's mill 2,000 ft. of totara was supplied r in the Tiratu Block, near Dannevirke, are to be seen two mills belonging to the Tiratu Sawmilling Company, who also own a planing-mill at Mangatera. Proceeding southwards from Dannevirke and towards Woodville are found, on the west side of the main road, the Hawke's Bay Timber Company and the Dannevirke Sawmilling Company working on Crown land in Tamaki Block, and John Crallan's mill, drawing its supplies from settlers freeholds. To the east of Oringi Railway-station the Totara Sawmilling Company's mill is working on Native land in Kaitoki Block. . ,; _ , Leaving Dannevirke and proceeding northwards along the mam Dannevirke-Napier coach-road is seen R. Holt's mill, working on Crown land, Piripiri Block, most of the timber from which finds a market in Hastings and Napier. . Further on are found Gammon and Co., cutting on Te Ohu Block ; Bartholomew Bros., Ruahme Sawmilling Company, and Anderson, Sons, and Co., on Piripiri Block. Messrs Gammon and Co. have a planing-mill also, near Matamau, and -two mills on the Rakaiatai Block, from which some 50,000 ft! of totara was obtained for the Roads Department, and 300,000 ft. of white-pme shipped to 7 n p y bohr and Co. are next found, working in Makaretu and carting out their timber to Takapau Railway-station. . „„ . ~, Proceeding eastward from Ormondville are seen the Waikopiro Sawmill Company and Morrison Bros the former supplying a quantity of telegraph-poles to the Telegraph Department during the year. Near Norsewood, W. Parsons is cutting mixed timber for local requirements and the Wellington 11 Near Ongaonga, Milburn Bros, are established, obtaining supplies from Forest Gate settlers and European freeholds. . . .. Proceeding from Waipawa and out to Hampstead (better known as Tikokmo) is seen Manson and Co 's Guavas Mill, working on freehold in Guavas Bush, over an area of about 700 acres, with four miles of tram-line to connect with the mill. A steam locomotive, traction-engme, and forty horses are in requisition. This firm have timber-yards at Waipawa and Hastings, to which most of the supplies " "Sanson and Co. (Attic Mill) is to be met with on the Hampden-Wakarara Road. Probably in four years' time Manson and Co. will have cut out the bush at this and Guavas Mill. About four miles west of Kaikora North, on the road to Argyll Settlement, the Argyll Sawmilling Company are established, cutting over European freehold, and supplying principally local requirements. A mill—McKain and Hutchinson—at the mouth of the Mohaka River, north of Napier, completes the list of mills to be found in the south portion of the Hawke's Bay District. In the northern portion of the district there are only five mills working at the present time, in the following localities: — ..,.', ~ n - • • , Starting northward from Mohaka (the last one mentioned of those withm the southern division of the district), the first of which is the Alpha Mill at Gisborne, the property of the Alpha Sawmilling Company, which employs eighteen hands, and its cutting-capacity is stated to be about 100,000 superficial feet per annum. This company imports its timber from Auckland. : : The next one is situated on the Waipaoa River, some four or five miles north of Karaka ; it is known as the Tapuihikatia Mill, and is run by a company, but operations have been suspended of late. When in full work about twenty-five hands are employed, and the cutting-capacity is put down at 2,000,000 superficial feet per annum ; it is estimated they have about 60,000,000 superficial feet of timber available. * _ . . „ About two miles further north on the same river is O'Rourke s mill, known as the Mangakmo. This is of small capacity, and only seven hands find employment here. The timber is carted to Karaka, and conveyed by rail to Gisborne, to supply local market only. The next in rotation is another small mill, owned by Mr. Hansen, and is located at Motu, and employs only three hands, the cutting-capacity being 150,000 superficial feet per annum. The most northern and last of the mills is known as De Latour s ; it is situated on a tributary of the Awatere River, about ten miles from Te Araroa ; it has an annual output of about 100,000 superficial feet, and gives employment to ten men. A good deal of its timber is disposed of locally, and the remainder shipped to Auckland and Gisborne. In all there are thirty-eight timber-mills working, with a total nominal horse-power of 1,079. Ihe estimated cutting-capacity of mills per annum is 70,804,000 superficial feet, and the annual output 40 868,118 superficial feet, in the following proportions : Totara, 5,654,000 superficial teet;_ matai, 11,010,000 superficial feet; rimu, 19,568,412 superficial feet; kahikatea, 4,635,706 superficial feet: total, 40,868.118 superficial feet.

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No. 4.]

Mandars and Bradley's " Bush " at Whananaki. (H. P. Kavanagh.)

No. 5.]

A Kauri Log, Puhipuhi. (H. P. Kavanagh.)

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The total export of timber for the year may be put down at 2,500,000 superficial feet, of which 1,500,000 superficial feet would represent white-pine. The number of hands employed in connection with the mills is 721. The following is the amount of timber obtained from the various mills in the district for the construction of bridges and other works carried out by the Roads Department during the past twelve months, amounting to 162,155 superficial feet, divided into the following classes —totara, maire, rimu, matai, and tanekaha ; in addition to which the Department imported about 750 superficial feet of ironbark and 39,574 superficial feet of kauri from Australia and Auckland respectively. Factories. At Dannevirke Messrs. Calder, Drummond, and Co. are running an up-to-date steam factory, obtaining their supplies of timber from neighbouring mills, and using a 35-horse-power suction gasengine, with planing and nailing machinery, and employing twenty hands. Other factories comprise R. Holt, Milburn Bros., Garnet, and Phillipps and Wright at Hastings, employing in all twenty-three hands, and R. Holt and Holder, Napier, and W. Ward, Awatoto, with sixty-five hands. These factories are all fitted up with planing machinery, and turn out for the mJDst part dressed timber, mouldings, and joinery. By comparing the present return with that of two years ago, it will be found that a very considerable falling-off in this industry has occurred during that time, there now being some seventeen mills and factories less than formerly, with a cutting-capacity of, say, 16,250,000 superficial feet, and an annual output of over 8,000,000 superficial feet, while the reduction in the number of employees amounts to over three hundred hands. This is further evidence of the gradual exhaustion of material, as already noted.

a—c. 4.

18

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Schedule of Sawmills.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. I Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. ioj Cutting- u £i, Varietiee of Timber-tree» » £,g capaciiyof Output per %^o cut. o&3 Mill Annum. g«p, log per Annum. o« 3 Purposes for which Timber is utiliBed: Iβ) Locally, lor Construction of Houses, or in connection with Bailway and Koad Works ; (6) Sending to another District; (e) For Expoi t outside the Colony. 36,10 Sup. ft. 1,680,000 Sup. ft. 659,551 18 Locally, for construction of houses. 1. Anderson, Sons, and Co. Pinpiri Crown Matai, rimu, totara .. i Kaikora North European freehold Totara, matai, rimu 16 1,050,000 623,619 12 Locally, for construction of houses, and to Christchureh. Sent to Wellington, Wanganui, Palmerston; also used locally. Sent to Wel.ii gton, Wanganui, Palmerston, and Napier. Ditto. 2. Argyll Sawmilling Company 3. Bartholomew Bros... Matamau Crown Rimu, matai .. .. : 16,25 3,44i,000 3,378,284 24 4. John Crallan Ocingi European freehold 12 J 1,120,000 839,813 15 5. Henry Carlson 6. P. M. Cohr and Co. 7. Dannevirke Sawmilling Company 8. Hxwke's Bay Timber Company 9. Ditto Tβ Aute .. Mikaretu South .. Tamaki Totara, matai, white-pine Rimu, matai, white-pine 12, 16 16 35 2,300,000 1,970,000 3,160,000 1,627,990 1,776,465 2,912,489 28 16 26 0 Principally to Wellington. Crown Tahoraite t> • • * • * * Matai, rimu 28 2,670,000 1,613,961 20 Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston North. Puketitiri European Rimu, matai, white-pine 16, 10 2,160,000 820,716 9 Timber - yards, Napier, and Co Palnierston North. To Napier and Hastings. 10. Robert Holt 11. John Holt 12. W. G. Hunter Piripiri .. Pukttitiri Ngapaeruru Crown European Crown settlers Rimu, matai .. Rimu, matai, white-pine Totara. matai, rimu, white-pine Totara, matai .. .. i 40, 10 14, 8 12 3,480,000 2,916,000 1,200,000 2,067,102 430,105 559,086 22 9 10 Local consumption. 13. Manson and Co. (Guavas) 14. Manson and Co. (Attic) 15. Milburn Bros. (Limited) 16. Morrison Bros. 17. W. Parsons Tikokino European - 10, 12 2,808, COO J 2,320,000 j 2,916,658 J 28 10 Locally, and to timber-yards, Waipawa and Hastings. Ditto. Wakarara Totara, matai, rimu OngaoDga European and settlers' leasehold Mixed bush 12, 8 2,100,000 517,874 10 Locally, for construction of houses, and to Wauawa a. id Hastings. Locally, fur construction of houses. Localh, for construction of houses, and to Wellington. Ditto. Waikopiro Norsewood Crown settlers' leasehold .. European Matai, rimu, white-pine Mixed bush 12 12 1,200,000 960,000 800,858 341,465 18 10 18. Tiratu Sawmilling Company 19. Ditto 20. „ 21. Totara Sawmilling Company 22. Uuicn Timber Cornpuny (Limited) 23. Wmk piro'Sawmill Companv 24. Hendley Mill (Butcher) 25. Pairburn Timber Compan) (Butcher) 26. R. Holt Tiratu Native Rimu, matai, totara 30 20 Mangatera Kaitoki 30, 20 17 16 6,000,000 5,286,348 30 15 30 Principally local consumption (planing mill). Localh, for construction of houses, and to Wellington. Wanganui, Wellington, and Palmerston North. Native Totara, rimu, matai 2,200,000 1,493,382 Okarae, near Dannevirke Waikopiro Rimu, matai 30 2,400,000 1,549,488 26 Government settlers' leasebold European Totara, rimu, matai, whitepine Rimu, matai, white-pine, a little totara Rimu, matai, white-pine 16 1,800,000 1,065,426 22 Locally, and to Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier. Locally, and to Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier (14 h.p. hauler). Locally, and to Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier. CoDstiuction of houses and shipment coastwise. Patoka .. .. 22 14, 14 2,496,000 1 2,184,000 j 1,125,360 24 21 Pohui Napier Logs purchased from Piripiri and other forests J 50, 25 3,500,000 865,000 60

19

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27. Ruahine Sawmilling Piripiri .. .. | Crown Company 28. J. Gilmour .. Ngapaeruru .. Settlers' leaseholds Matai, rimu 33, 14 1 1,800,000 I 900,000 22 Locally, for construction of houses. 4 ! 600,000 300,000 3 Locally, for construction of houses and roadworks. 8 936.000 156,000 S Locally, for construction of houses, and to Napier. 25 2,000,000) , 14 4 „ „ ( 26 30 2,500,000 ) °- 1 *- l ' u ' B ] 26 40 2,700,000 .. 28 ; 18 .. .. 12 Dressed timber and mouldings, principally used locally. 8 150,000 100,000 3 j 150,000ft. on 50 acres Crown land ; on adjoining Crown, Native, and private lanHs quantity unlimited. Red-birch in Motu Valley very good. 14 250,000 250,000 i 10 ; Tuis mill is doing good work. A good deal is sold locally ; balance sent to Auckland and Gisborne. Estimated amount available, 500.000 ft. 8 150,000 150,000 7 j Toe mill carts all timber to Te Karaka, thenoe to Gsborne by rail. All used in Gisborne and district. 75 2,000.000 500,000 25 The mill is in the hands of a company. Estimated available amount to cut, 60.000,000 ft. The mill has been stopped for some time. 75 100,000 100.000 18 ! This mil; bel ngs to a local comnany, who import all their timber from Auckland, and : are waiiing for the railway to the Motu to 1,059 70,S04,000 40,868,118 721 \ be completed. Totara, matai, rimu 29. McKain and Hutohin- Mohaka son 30. G. A. Gammon and Co. Te Ohu, Matamau Crown 31. „ Rakaiatai .. Native 32. Gammon Bros. 33. G. A. Gammon and Co Piripiri .. 34. Hansen's .. Motu .. .. Crown 35. De Latour .. Te Araroa .. Native Totara, matai Totara, matai, white-pine Timber purchased from otner mills Rimu, white-pine Matai, rimu 14 36. O'Roiirke .. .. Whatatutu .. Private 37. Mangakino .. „ .. Native White-pine, matai 8 ! 75 38. Alpha Sawmilling Gisborne .. .. Nil Company i . Totara, matai, rimu I 75 Totals 1,059

20

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TAEANAKI. The two mills on the Mokau River, owned by Messrs. A. Kelly and F. Baigent, have together exported about 1,250,000 superficial feet of kahikatea, the greater portion of the 550,000 superficial feet of rimu cut during the year being sent to Wellington, as there is very little local demand. The timber which supplies Baigent's mill is almost cut out, and a new mill is being erected at another place on the Mokau River for the same firm. No work has been done at Kelly's mill for some time. These mills ship the timber direct by small coastal steamers to Waitara. At the Mangapeehi Mill, owned by Messrs. Ellis and Burnand, which was fully described in report of 1905, an American locomotive has been imported for working on rough, steep grades, and is now in use. A large proportion of the timber cut is sent to Auckland, as there is not a great local demand. The firm have a sash and door factory at Hamilton employing about fifty hands, and also a larger mill and butter-box factory in the same neighbourhood. The mill at Tiroa has been closed down during the past year. The details of the output are —1,637,200 superficial feet rimu, 818,600 superficial feet matai, 1,227,900 superficial feet totara. Mr. A. H. Hyde's sawmill at Matire is a portable one, and has been employed to meet the requirements of that newly settled district, in the erection of houses, and supplying timber for roadworks. The timber cut was 100,000 superficial feet rimu, 100,000 superficial feet kahikatea, and 50,000 superficial feet matai. The mill at Ongarue is controlled by the Taumarunui Totara Company (Limited), with offices and yards at Frankton. About 166,000 superficial feet of the year's output consisted of totara ; 43,000 superficial feet matai; the remaining 41,000 superficial feet being equally divided between rimu and kahikatea. What is not required locally is sent to Auckland and Wellington. There are thirteen mills working round the base of Mount Egmont, viz. : Plymouth Road (Messrs. Ede and Co.), Newall Road (J. Ducker), Awatuna (Parkes and Brooker), Manaia Road (Clements), Egmont Road (New Plymouth Sash and Door Company), Carrington Road (Vickers and Davies), Oakura (Tuck and Pierson), Radnor Road (Quins), Mountain Road (Henry Brown and Co.), Te Kiri and Rahotu (Opunake Timber Company), Rahotu (Rothery and Mills), and Tariki Road (Symons and Jones). The output was 4,142,581 superficial feet rimu, used principally for building timber locally, and 1,236,000 superficial feet kahikatea, which is devoted to the construction of butter-boxes. This was cut by six of the mills. Messrs. Henry Brown and Co. and the Sash and Door Factory and Timber Company (Limited) have extensive timber-yards in New Plymouth. Many of these mills have only worked for part of the year. In the Ngaire and Huiroa Survey Districts the following nine mills have been cutting : Messrs. Derby Bros.' mills, at Toko and Huiroa ; Clements' mill, at Anderson Road ; the New Plymouth Sash and Door Company's mill, at Toko ; G. Syme's mills, at Ngaire, Ohura Road, Huiroa and Toko Road ; and Messrs. Henry Brown and Co.'s mill, at East Road. Their total output was 3,488,000 superficial feet rimu, and 1,229,000 superficial feet kahikatea, the latter cut by only six of these mills. G. Syme's mills cut 205,000 superficial feet matai also. The mill at Everett Road, east of Ingle wood, owned by Mr. Baigent, cut out 480,000 superficial feet rimu ; and Mr. A. Meredith's mill at Brewer Road, near Strathmore, cut 50,000 superficial feet rimu, 2,000 superficial feet kahikatea, and 8,000 superficial feet matai. It will be gathered from the foregoing particulars that the bulk of the timber cut, with the exception of the white-pine exported by the mills on the Mokau River and the timber cut by Messrs. Ellis and Burnand at Mangapehi, is used in the province for building-material, a great deal of it being sent to the timber-yards of the Sash and Door and Timber Companies in New Plymouth and Hawera, to be used for the building trade and all kinds of joinery. The Eltham Butter-box Factory at Eltham; Messrs. Twigg and Co., Hawera; G. Syme, Hawera ; the Sash and Door Factory; and Henry Brown and Co., at New Plymouth, take most of the white-pine for butter-boxes, this class of timber being well known as the best for the packing of butter for oversea transit. By far the greater bulk of the milling timber in Taranaki lies around the western and south-western edge of the Mount Egmont National Park, roughly between sawmills Nos. 11 and 16 as shown on map at end of report. The quantity of milling timber here is estimated at 200,000,000 superficial feet of rimu and kahikatea. Unfortunately, owing to lack of railway and good road communication, and its distance from any centre where a demand for timber is likely to arise, the bulk of this great asset is doomed to be wasted and lost by ravages of fire and the settlers' axe. The projected railway from Eltham to Opunake will open up a market for a good portion of this timber, provided its construction is not unduly delayed. Summarising the above return, it appears that there are twenty-nine mills in all, employing 453 men, with a total horse-power of machinery amounting to 737. The cutting-capacity of these mills is returned as 32,158,000 superficial feet per annum, while the actual output given by the various owners of mills for the twelve months amounts to 16,824,281 superficial feet, made up of the following classes and quantities : rimu, 10,467,781 superficial feet; kahikatea, 3,838,000 superficial feet ; totara, 1,393,900 superficial feet ; matai, 1,124,600 superficial feet: total, 16,824,281 superficial feet.

C.—i

Kauri Logs at Matakohe (Parker-Lamb Timber Company.)

No. 6.]

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Schedule of Sawmills.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. ° 'Q Purposes for which Timber is utilised: S-S >> (fl) Locally, for Construction of Hout,es, or in oonnee. ion with Kailway and Koad Works ; §■ {b) Sending to another Du,trict; S5 i '"' *' or Export outside the Colony. 1. A. Kelly (Pukeruru) Mokau River .. Native 2. F. Baigent (Mokau) „ .. . 3. Ellis and Burnand Near Mangapehi (Mangapehi) Railway-station 4. Totara Timber Com- Ongarue Railwaypany (Ongarue) station 5. Hyde (Matire) .. Matire Township .. Crown and Native.. 6. P. Baigent (Everett , Huiroa S.D. .. European Road) 7. H. Brown and Co. ; Egraont S.D (Mountain Road) 8. New Plymouth Sash , ... and Door Company (Egmont Road) 9. Ede and Co. (Ply- „ ... mouth Road) 10. Tuok and Pearsons „ .. Native (Oakura) 11. Vickers and Davies . .. European (Carrington Road) 12. Ducker and Co. Cape S.D. (Newall Road) 13. Rothery and Mills , ... (Rahotu) 14. Opunake Timber Com-; „ .. „ pany (Rahotu) 15. Opunake Timber Com- Kaupokonui S.D. .. Native pany (Te Kiri) 16. Parkes and Brooker „ .. European (Awatuna) 17. W. C. Clements (Ma- . ... naia Road) 18. Quin (Radnor Road) Egmont S.D. 19. G. Syme (Huiroa) .. Huiroa S.D. 20. Symons and Jones „ ... (Tariki Road) 21. Derby Bros. (Huiroa) . ... 22. H. Brown and Co. Ngaire S.D. (East Road) 23. Derby Bros. (Toko) „ ... 24. New Plymouth Sash „ .. „ . and Door Company (Toko) 25. George Syme (Ohura „ ... Road) 26. Meredith (Brewer Ngatimaru S.D. .. Road) 27. George Syme (Toko Ngaire S.D. .. . .. Road) 28. George Syme (Ngaire) „ ... 29. W. 0. Clements (An- „ ... derson Road) Totals Sup. ft. .. Rimu and kahikatea .. 90 2,000,000 ..16 1,878,000 .. Rimu, totara, and matai 50 5,000,000 .. Totara, rimu, matai, and 10 350,000 kahikatea .. Rimu, matai, and kahika- 10 700,000 tea .. Rimu .. .. 14 700,000 .. Rimu and kahikatea ..' 60 2,000,000 ..22 1,000,000 ..• Rimu .. 20 1,000,000 .. .. 10 720,000 ..22 1,000,000 .. ..12 500,000 ... .. ..14 500,000 .. ..24 500,000 .. Rimu and kahikatea .. 60 1,250,000 .. Rimu.. .. 20 1,000,000 .. Rimu'and kahikatea .. 10 1,000,000 .. ] 20 800,000 .. Rimu and matai .. j 20 1,200,000 .. Rimu and kahikatea .. 25 1,500,000 .20 850,000 ..60 1,000,000 ..20 1,000,000 ..25 1,250,000 .. Rimu, matai, and kahi- 1 20 600,000 katea .. Ditto .. .. .. ; 9 160,000 .. Rimu and matai .. 14 500,000 .. Rimu, matai, and kahi- 24 1,200,000 katea .. Rimu and kahikatea .. 16 1,000,000 737 32,158,000 Sup. ft. 300,000 1,500,000 3,683,700 250,000 250,000 480,000 ' 1,081,000 | 780,000 j 250,000 120,000 j 60,000 200,000 100,000 94,581 250,000 | 25 Rimu for local uses ; kahikatea for export. 16 Rimu for another district; kahikatea lor export. 85 For house-construction locally, and large proportion s.nt to another district. 12 For local house-construction and for sending to other districts. 6 House-construction locally and roadworks. 12 ! Locally, for house-construction. 28 15 10 10 9 6 8 8 9 600,000 12 350,000 11 533,000 . 175,000 960,000 ! 12 16 300,000 ! 508,000 11 9 300,000 1,073,000 10 24 I 530,000 15 | 60,000 « ! 229.000 15 | 1,007,000 j I 3 ° 800,000 17 16,824,281 453 i 737 32,158,000 16,824,281

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22

WELLINGTON. Western Portion. 1. The northernmost mill is Messrs. Ellis and Burnand's, at Manunui. This mill has just been built, and is very complete with all the latest machinery. This firm has built a substantial truss bridge over the Wanganui River, as their bush is situated on the northern side of the river ; they have a private railway-siding, and this mill will soon be in full working-order. The timber is exported to Auckland and other places along the railway-line. 2. The next mill is Piriaka Mill, owned by the Puketapu Sawmilling Company, who have several other mills in the district. The timber is sent to Auckland and the Waikato. 3. The next one is the Kakahi Mill, erected and worked by the Public Works Department, and supplies all the timber required for the railway-works and for any other public works. A small quantity is sold to private individuals. This mill is very complete, and is doing good work. 4. Ohakune Mill is owned by Mr. King, who has enlarged it considerably. The timber is disposed of to settlers for houses, and to the Public Works Department. 5. Eaetihi Mill is owned by Messrs. Bennett and Punch. They have the cutting-right over 200 acres of Crown lands adjoining Raetihi Township, and dispose of the timber locally to settlers and to the Public Works Department. 6. Mangaituroa Mill is owned by Messrs. Hatrick and Mason, and is situated on the Pipiriki Road. The timber is disposed of locally, and none is sent away to Wanganui, as was done last year. 7. Oroua Bridge Steam Sawmills is situated on one of the sections in the Mangawhata Settlement. It is not working full time. The timber is disposed of locally and sent to other districts. 8. Oroua Bridge Mill is owned by Messrs. Adsett and Baigent. They are cutting matai and kahikatea on freehold land, and dispose of it in Wellington. This will soon be cut out. 9. Koputoroa Mill is situated at Kereru, on the Wellington-Manawatu line. The timber cut is kahikatea, and is disposed of locally and is sent to Sydney. 10. Ohau Mill is owned by Mr. P. Bartholomew, was formerly situated at Weraroa, and only has lately been moved to this locality. The timber is disposed of locally and sent away to other districts. 11. Manukau Steam Saw and P aning Mill is owned by Messrs. Bird Bros. They are cutting rimu, and dispose of it locally. 12. Gorge Mill is situated near Te Horo, on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway. It is owned by the Campbel Timber Company, who are cutting rimu, which is disposed of locally. 13. Moonshine Mill, also owned by the Campbell Company, is situated in the hills east of Te Horo, cutting rimu, which is disposed of locally and sent to other districts. 14. Rikiorangi Mill, situated at Waikanae, is cutting rimu, which is sent away to other districts. 15. Andrew and Moore's mill is a perambulating one, and is moved about from one place to another. The timber is disposed of locally. As the Main Trunk line is being completed to near the Ohakune district, and is supposed to be open for traffic to there this winter, several new mills are about to start in the Waimarino district, and no doubt some will be large ones and up to date in every respect.

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Schedule of Sawmills (Western Portion).

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. I *.& „ , H ° T3 Purposes for which Timber is uti'ised: ..... , _. . i?S cutting- S"5, (a) Locally, for Const uctin of Hou-es, or in oonVaneties of Timber-tree. - g a capacity of Output per S%o n( . c ion with Railway an i Koad vvorks; 0Ut ' SI'S „„ r^„ m Annum. £ s g, (6) Sending to ano.her Ih-tiiet; fUg. per Annum. sK g (c) For Export outside the Colony. Sup. ft. 9,000,000 Sup. ft. 1. Manunui Manunui V.S. Native land in Auckland District Native land Totara, matai, and kahikatea Totara, matai, rimu, and kahikatea Ditto 80 .. 80 ] (a) Locally ; (6) Auckland and district. 2. Piriaka Piriaka I 28 2,400,000 1,200,000 25 (a) Locally ; (o) Auckland and di6triot. 3. Kakahi Kakahi Crown land 28 3,300,000 ! 2,860,000 180,000 150,000 180,000 50 j Public works purposes, (a) Small quantity tt private persons. 6 I (a) Locally, buildings, Ac, and Public Worki Department. 4 i (a) Locally, buildings, &c, and Publio Worki Department. 7 ; (a) Locally. 4. Ohakune Ohakune Crown leases Rimu and matai 25 180,000 5. Raetihi Raetihi Crown land Rimu, matai, and kahikatea Ditto .. 18 150,000 J 6. Mangaituroa European and Education reserves Crown leases 15 1,560,000 7. Oroua" Bridge Steam Sawmill $&$.? 8. Oroua Bridge < .. 9. Koputoroa 10. Ohau 11. Manakau Steam Saw and Planing Mills 12. Gorge 13. Moonshine 14. Rikiorangi.. 15. Andrew and Moore .. Mangawhata Settlement Oroua Bridge Kereru Weraroa Manakau Kahikatea 6 500,000 250,000 3 (a) Locally ; (b) to other districts. European Native and European Crown, European, and Native European Matai and kahikatea Kahikatea Rimu 12 20 25 16 2,000,000 2,200,000 1,200,000 1,800,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 600,000 12 (6) Wellington. This will soon be cut out. 16 ! (a) Locally ; (c) to Sydney, N.S.W. 30 ' (a) Locally ; (o) to otner districts. 8 j {a) Locally. Te Horo 25 25 40 10 1,200,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 700,000 750,000 2,000,000 1,700,000 365,000 10 i (a) Locally. 40 i (a) Locally ; (b) to other districts. 25 (6) To other disiricts. 8 (n) Locally. This mill is moved from bush tt bush, and is not long in one locality. Waikanae Movable mill Crown leases and European European Totals 373 30,690,000 14,535,000 4,535,000 324

a—4

24

Central Portion. 1. The most northern mill is owned by Mr. Irvine, and is situated in the Hautapu Valley, about a mile away from the Turangarere Railway-station site. The mill has only just been finished, and has only started to work. The cutting-area is all Native land, the principal timbers being rimu and matai, with a little totara and white-pine, but owing to from the market it would hardly pay to cut white-pine for export at present. 2. Situated south of Turangarere Township, and owned by Gardiner Bros. This mill has been established about four years, but owing to the difficulty of access it has just started sending timber out of the district. The owners have secured a first-class cutting-area of Native bush, rimu and matai being the principal timbers cut. The plant is a first-class one. 3. Proceeding south down the Main Trunk line, the next mill reached is Smith and McDonald s Mataroa Mill, situated close to the Mataroa Township. The cutting-area is on Crown sections held under lease by Europeans. So far the timber has only been sold locally, but as soon as the train is running it will be sent down to the west coast markets. Rimu and matai are the principal timbers cut. 4. Continuing to the south-west down Murray's Track we come to Palmer's Mill, in the Tekapua Block. This is only a very small mill, and only cuts for local orders. It is not working more than half-time. It is about twelve miles distant form the Mataroa Railway-station. 5. Proceeding south towards Taihape we come to the Pukenawa Mill, owned by Bennett and Jacobson. This is a very good milling plant, with cutting-rights over a fairly large area of good Native bush. This mill is now well established, most of the timber being sent to the west coast markets. Matai and white-pine are the principal timbers cut, with a little totara. 6. Coming back to Mataroa and continuing south down the Taihape-Mataroa Road we come to Berge Bros.' Hautapu Mill, which is situated on the banks of the Hautapu, about four miles north of Taihape. The cutting-area, which is on Crown lease, is only a small one, and the timber will probably be all cut out in twelve or eighteen months. Matai is the principal timber cut, with a small o quantity of white-pine. 7. About half a mile nearer to Taihape than No. sis Zajonskowskie's Taihape Mill, situated between the road and railway-line. This mill was formerly cutting at Silverhope, but has lately been shifted to its present position. It is cutting entirely on Native land. Totara, matai, and white-pine are the principal timbers cut, with a little rimu/ The timber is Jill sold in between Wellington and New Plymouth. 8. Continuing south down the Taihape Road for about a quarter of a mile, and thence to the west up the Pukenawa Road, Mr. R. W. Smith's Taihape Mill is reached. This is a first-class milling plant, and the owner has secured cutting-rights over a large area of Crown settlers' lands. It is a good timber bush with a good variety of trees, but the land is fairly rough and expensive to work. The timber cut consists of matai, totara, and rimu, very little white-pine being cut'atjresent. Nearly the whole of the timber is sent to the Wanganui markets. 9. Proceeding to the junction of Kaka Road, and continuing down that road towards Taihape, we come to the Kaka Road Mill, owned by Beban and Gardiner. Cutting-area is on Crown The timber cut consists of rimu, matai, white-pine, and a little totara. Most of the timber is sent'to the west coast markets, but a small quantity is sold locally. 10. The next mill is on the opposite side of the Taihape Stream, about a quarter of a mile from the last-mentioned mill. It is known by the name of Taihape Sawmill, and is owned by the Manawatu Timber Company, having been lately bought by the company from Mr. J. H. Knap. The company have improved the plant, and have cutting-rights over a considerable area of Native land. The bush is a first-class one, but rather an expensive one to work. Rimu, matai, white-pine, and a little totara are the principal trees milled. Most of the timber is sent to the west coast markets, Wellington, and the white-pine to Sydney. 11. Proceeding" down to Taihape Township we come to the Hautapu Mill owned by Mr. Bartholomew. This mill is cutting entirely on Crown lease, rimu, matai, white-pine, and a little totara being the timbers cut. The output is sold locally, and between Wellington and New Plymouth. It is expected that this mill will be cut out during the year. 12. Travelling south along the Main Trunk Road, Goldfinch and Anderson's is the first mill reached. It is only a small plant, cutting almost entirely on Crown leases in the Taihape Improved-farm Settlement Extension. The timbers cut are totara, matai, white-pine, and rimu, Wellington and New Plymouth being the markets, with a little white-pine'to Sydney. It is expected'that this~mill a will be cut out during the year. 13. The next mill reached down the same road is Wright and Carter's mill, which is cutting on Native land between Utiku and Taihape. The cutting-area is a small one, and it is expected that the bush will be cut out in a year or two. Most of the timber is sent to markets between Wellington jind New Plymouth; the white-pine principally to Sydney. Matai, totara, rimu, and white-pine principal timbers cut. 14. Syme's mill, between Taihape and Utiku, is next. Cutting-area is Native land. Matai, rimu, white-pine, and a little totara. Most of the timber is sent to New Plymouth and Wellington Districts. 15. Natural Bridge Mill, on the same road, and close to the last-mentioned mill. Owned by Mr. Bosher. Cutting-area, Native land. The timber cut consists of matai, rimu, and white-pine, most of which is sold between Wellington and New Plymouth, and the white-pine is exported to Sydney. -16. Travelling south still along the same road, Sawersby's Main Trunk Sawmill Company's mill is reached. The cutting-area is also Native land, the timber cut being the same as cutjby'the last mill. The timber is mostly sent to Wanganui and Wellington, and the white-pine to' Sydney. 17 and 18. Utiku, where Perham and Larsen have two mills cutting, the output from which amounts to about 5,000,000 superficial feet per annum. The cutting-area is all Native land, the principal timbers being white-pine"and'matai. n Part of the timber is sold locally, part between Wellington and New Plymouth, and the white-pine mostly to Sydney.

C—4.

No. 7.]

"Pit-sawing" Timber at Matakohe. (Parker-Lamb Timber Company.)

No. 8.1

Tramway in Galbraith Bros.' "Bush" at Whananaki.

25

C".—4.

19. Gibb's No. 1 Mill is also situated in the Township of Utiku. This is also a first-class milling plant, capable of turning out about 2,000,000 superficial feet per annum. The cutting-area comprises partly Crown lease and partly Native land. A portion of the milling area has been felled and grassed, and the dry trees that were left are now being milled. The timber cut consists of matai, white-pine, and a little totara. The white-pine is chiefly sent to New Plymouth for butter-boxes, and the matai and totara are sold in the markets between Wellington and New Plymouth. 20. Leaving Utiku and travelling to the east along the Torere-Horouta Road to the Moawhango Valley, Mr. Knight's Tamaki Mill is reached. This mill was originally working close to Utiku, but on account of the cable-tram not working satisfactorily it was shifted to its present position. This mill has the largest cutting-area in the district, the land being leased from the Natives. The timber cut consis+s of totara, matai, white-pine, and rimu. The timber is mostly sold between Wellington and New Plymouth, the white-pine being sent to Sydney. 21. On the same road is the Taoroa Mill, owned by Wakelin and Haddley. The cutting-area is on Crown lease, but it is only a small one, and will probably be cut out in a year or two. The whitepine is exported to Sydney, and the remainder is sold in the coastal towns between Wellington and New Plymouth. The timber cut consists of white-pine, matai, totara, and rimu. 22. Crossing over the Moawhango River, Gardiner Bros.' Lower Moawhango Mill is reached. The cutting-area consists of Crown and Crown-lease lands. Totara is the principal timber cut, but matai and a little rimu and white-pine are also cut. The white-pine is sent to Sydney, and the remainder is sold locally and in the markets between Wellington and New Plymouth. 23. Returning to Utiku and proceeding south down the Main Trunk line, the Manawatu Company's mill, situated on the left bank of the Rangitikei River, is seen. The cutting-right embraces a considerable area of Native land. The timber cut consists of totara, rimu, matai, and white-pine. Whitepine is sold in Sydney, and the remainder locally and in the west coast markets. The timber is taken across the Rangitikei Gorge on a wire rope and cage worked by an engine. 24. Manawatu Company's Kawhatau Mill is situated in the Kawhatau Valley. This mill is practically closed down, and only cuts at odd times. Timber cut consists of matai, totara, and whitepine, sent to wnst coast markets and to Sydney. 25. Travelling back to Mangaweka and thence to the east along the Maungawhariki Road, Goodebehere and Eng's nr'll is reached. This mill has only a small cutting-area, principally European land. The timber cut consists of matai, totara, and rimu, with a little white-pine for local requirements. The mill is situated about seven miles from the Mangaweka Railway-station. 26. Coming back to Mangaweka and travelling south to Ohingaiti, Gower and Grice's Ohingaiti Mill is reached. This mill is cutting on European land, rimu, matai, white-pine, and totara being the timbers cut. The timber is sold locally and in the west coast markets. 27. Situated still further south is the Orangipongo Mill, at Mangaonoho, owned by Mr. Ewen McGregor. The cutting area is all Native land. The timber cut comprises totara, rimuj white-pine, and matai, which is taken across the Rangitikei River on a cable, being hauled across by a steam-engine. The timber is mostly sold in the Wellington markets. 28. Leaving the Rangitikei Valley and travelling over to the Apiti District, Banks and Carruthers' mill, on the Table Flat Road, is reached. This is only a small mill, and only cuts local orders. The timber cut comprises rimu and a small quantity of matai and white-pine, all of which is sold locally. 29. Also situatsd on the same road, and owned by the same people. Cutting only about half-time for local orders. No timber sent out of the district. Timber cut comprises mataij rimu, and little white-pine. Cutting on Crown leases. 30. Returning to Apiti, and continuing down the'Apiti-Norsewood Road, is Guy's Coal Creek Mill. This is a very small plant, and is not cutting half-time. White-pine is cut for butter-boxes, which are made on the premises and sent to the Apiti Dairy Factory. A small quantity of rimu and matai is also cut for local requirements. 31. The next mill reached is Dick's Umutoi Mill, which is also a small one, cutting on Crown settlers' land. Rimu, a little white-pine, and matai are the principal timbers cut. The timber is all sold locally. 32. Continuing south-east the Pohangina Valley is reached, where the Palmerston Sash and Door Factory have their Piripiri Mill, in the Salisbury Block. The factory-manager refused to give any information respecting the mill. Rimu is the principal timber cut, which is carted into Ashhurst at a cost of about 3s. 6d. per hundred.

4—O. 4.

26

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Schedule of Sawmills (Central Portion).

Name of Sawmill. Whether cutting on Crown. Varieties of Timber-trees » g.~ Locality. Native, or European. cut. c»A Locality. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. Output per Annum. o ti Purposes for which Timber is utilised: 8,5 ?. ! (o) Locally, for Const- ucth.n of Houses, or in conns a .2 I nee. ion with Kailway and Koad Works; E5a | (6) Sending to another District; J3 § (c) i'or Export outside the Colony. I 1__ . _ . . _-_ - . Sup. ft. 2,000,000 I I ~ I Sup. ft. Expect to out 1,500,000 1,600,000 800,000 240,000 1,200,000 1,600,000 21 Mill just started ; no timber sent out. 15 (.i) Locally ; (b) west coast markets. 6 (a) Locally and to Publio Works Department. 5 j.r) Locally. 13 (a) Locally; (fc) Wellington and Wanganui; (c) the kahikatea mostly to Sydney. 18 (a) Locally ; (6) west coast markets. 1. Irvine 2. Gardner Bros. 3. Smith and Donald .. 4. Palmer 5. Pukenawa 6. Berge Bros. 7. Zajonskowskie Turangarere .. Native land .. .. Rimu, matai and little 20 kahikatea Rimu and matai .. 16 ... a. Mataroa .. .. European .. . .. lo Tekapua .. .. . •• • • » •• 8 Section 4, Block IX, Native land .. Rimu, matai, totara, and 16 Ohinewairua kahikatea Section 7i, Block European .. .. Matai, kahikatea, and 20 IX, Ohinewairua little totara Taihape .. .. Native .. .. Rimu, matai, totara, and 18 kahikatea Crown lease .. .. Rimu, matai and totara 25 .. Rimu and matai .. 12 Native .. .. Rimu, matai, kahikatea, 16 and little totara Crown leases .. .. Rimu, matai, totara, and 25 kahikatea Ditto. 12 20 16 15 8 16 20 18 2,000,000 1,000,000 360,000 1,400,000 2,000,000 1,700,000 1,200,000 ! 6 j (6) West coast markets. 8. Carara 9. Kaka Road 25 12 2,500,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 800,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 725,000 1,250,000 1,800,000 1,200,000 600,000 5,000,000 1,000,000 30 (o) Wanganui markets. 15 (a) Small quantity locally ; (6) west coast markets. 20 (6) West coast markets; (c) kahikatea to Sydney. 20 (a) Locally ; (6) west coast; (c) kahikatea to Sydney. 16 (o) West coast markets ; (c) Sydney. 14 (6) West coast markets; (c) kahikitea to Sydney. 25 Ditto. 16 20 (6) Markets between Wellington and Wanganui ; (c) kahikatea to Sydney. 60 (a) Locally:; (b) west coast markets ; (c) Sydney. 30 (6) West coast markets and New Plymouth. 10. Taihape (Manawatu Timber Company) 11. Hautapu (Bartholomew) 12. Goldfinch and Anderson 13. Wright and Carter .. 16 2,000,000 I 25 I 2,400,000 12 1,200,000 14. Syme's 15. Natural Bridge (Bosher) 16. Main Trunk Sawmill Company 17. 18. Utiku Between Taihape Native .. .. ... 20 and Utiku Utiku .. .. Native and Crown leases .. Rimu, matai, kahikatea, 19 and little totara Between Taihape Native .. .. .. Rimu, matai, andkahika- 12 and Utiku tea Ditto .. i - ■ • • Rimu, matai, totara, and 12 kahikatea Utiku .. .. . • • • • ■ • Matai, totara, and kahi- 50 katea .. Crown leases and Native .. Rimu, matai. totara, and 24 kahikatea Moawhango Valley Native .. .. .. Ditto .. .. .. 17 Taoroa .. .. Crown leases .. .. ... • • .. 10 20 19 12 12 1,700,000 2,500,000 1,600,000 2,000,000 50 6,000,000 19. Gibb's No. 1 24 2,000,000 20. Tamaki 21. Taoroa 17 10 3,300,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 900,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 500,000 750,000 700,000 50 (6) West coast markets ; (c) Sydney. 20 (c) Kahikatea to Sydney; (6) remainder to west coast markets. 21 (a) Small quantity locally; (6) remainder to markets between Wellington and New Plymouth. 20 ■ (a) Locally; (6) west coast markets ; (c) kahikatea to Sydney. 5 : (a) Locally; (6) west coast markets. This mill is practically closed down. 14 (n) Looally ; (6) west coast markets. 15 Ditto. 22. Lower Moawhango .. Lower Moawhango I Crown land and Crown leases Totara, rimu, matai, and | 17 kahikatea 17 1,500,000 | 23. Manawatu Timber Company 24. Kawhatau (Manawatu Timber Company) 25. Pukerimu 26. Ohingaiti .. Rangitikei .. Native .. .. .. Totara, matai, rimu, and 25 kahikatea Kawhatau .. European and Native .. Totara, rimu, matai, and 12 kahikatea Ruahine .. .. European .. .. Rimu and matai .. 16 Ohingaiti .. „ • • • • Rimu, matai, and little 16 totara 25 2,000,000 12 750,000 16 16 1,200,000 1,680,000

27

C.—4

27. Orangipongo Mangaonoho European and Native Rimu, matai, totara, and kahikatea Rimu and little matai, and kahikatea Rimu, matai, birch, and little kahitakea Kahikatea and little matai and rimu Rimu and little kahikatea and matai I 1,560,000 25 958,000 21 (a) Locally ; (6) Wellington. 28. Table Flat.. Table Flat European 16 1,000,000 400,000 7 (a) Locally. 29. Table Flat No. 2 Crown leases 12 800,000 300,000 7 30. Coal Creek Coal Creek, Apiti .. 8 800,000 100,000 4 31. Umutoi Umutoi .. 12 900,000 110,000 8 32. Piripiri (Palmerston Sasn & Door Factory) * Piripiri .. ! Totals 526 52,050,000 33,333,000 542 * Manager refuses to give any information.

0.—4

28

Eastern and Southern Portion. I. The Akitio Totara Sawmilling Company's mill is situated on the Akitio Kiver bank close to its mouth, and at present is not working full time. The company have secured the cutting-rights of all milling-timber within the influence of the river, and have still a large portion untouched. Owing to the non-success of their boom on the river, also loss of oil-launch, the company have decided to suspend operations or reconstruct. Their output is disposed of coastwise by steamers, scows, and other vessels, which load in the open roadstead. 2 and 5. Messrs. Gardener and Yeoman have two sawmills in active operation ; one is situated on the Waihi Valley Road, the other is on the Alfredton-Weber Road, about three miles from Pongaroa. Both are substantially constructed up-to-date mills, with planing and moulding plants attached. The output is disposed of locally, enabling the settlers in the surrounding districts to obtain dressed timber at less than town prices. Both mills obtain their supplies from Crown lands. 3. Section 3, Block V, Mount Cerberus : J. Gosling and Co. have erected a substantial sawmilling plant on this section, and purpose cutting the dry and green logs on this and adjoining sections. The mill is not yet in full working-order, but it is expected to be working full time shortly. Timber disposed of locally—mostly small building orders from selectors in vicinity and surrounding districts. 4. Mr. E. Johnson's sawmill is situated on Education Reserve, Section 28, Block VI, Mount Cerberus, on the Alfredton-Weber Road, distant about two miles from Waione. Small portable plant, mostly engaged in cutting out small clumps of bush in the locality. Supply limited ; output disposed of locally, and small orders carted to Weber, in Hawke's Bay. 6 and 7. Carlson and Co., sawmillers, Marima, Mangamaire, have two up-to-date sawmills in active operation in the Waiwera Farm Homestead Association Block. The major portion of the output is disposed of in Wellington, the remainder is utilised for local requirements. The supply is obtained from lands held under " The Land Act, 1892 "—mostly dry logs remaining in grassed areas. 8. Hart Udy, Hukanui: Old-established mill. The supply is obtained from Native leasehold (now mostly cut out), going over the land for the second time. The output is mostly railed to Wellington, the remainder is utilised locally. 9 and 13. Messrs. Poppelwell and Quinlan, sawmillers, have two sawmills in active operation in the Kakariki and Stirling Farm Homestead Association Blocks. The major portion of the output is railed to Masterton and Wellington, the remainder is disposed of locally. Supplies obtained from lands held under " The Land Act, 1892." 10. W. Lawrence : Mill situated near main road on the Mangatainoka J 4 Block, about one mile from Hamua. Practically cut out. Lease expires in April, 1907. Output disposed of in Wellington, also small local orders. 11. H. Smith and Sons, sawmillers, have erected a sawmill on Section 27, Block IV, Tararua. The supply is to be obtained from dry and green bush on this and adjoining sections in the Stirling Farm Homestead Association Block. The mill is not yet in full working-order. Output to be disposed of locally, also portion railed from Newman to Wellington and Masterton. 12. C. Alberthsen, sawmiller, Nireaha : Mill situated on Nireaha Forest Reserve. Supply limited, practically cut out. Timber-supply obtained from freehold, also lands held under " The Land Act, 1892." Expects to cease operations about Easter. Output mostly despatched to Wellington by rail from Newman Railway-station. 14. Gardner and Son, sawmillers : Mill situated on Section 45, Block VI, Tararua-Mangaroa Road. Timber on hand limited. Supplies obtained from green and dry bush, also sound logs in grassed areas on lands held under " The Land Act, 1892." Output disposed of locally; also railed from Newman to Masterton and Wellington. 15. J. Drysdale, Nireaha : Mill situated on Nireaha Forest Reserve. Has obtained extension of time to cut over about 40 acres forest reserve. Supply obtained from freehold and portion of forest reserve. Output mostly Government orders for railways, &c.; remainder mixed timber for Wellington market. Supply of raw material sufficient for a further three years' cutting. 16. Mr. McDonald, sawmiller, Newman : Mill situated on Section 39, Block V, Mangaone, distant about three miles from Newman Railway-station by metalled road. Small portable plant, utilised in cutting sound logs in grassed areas, also small clumps of green bush in the locality of freehold lands. Output is ordinary building timber, utilised locally and Wellington market. Supply almost cut out. 17. R. Faulkner, sawmiller, Kaiparoro : Old-established mill, recently burned down. New plant erected ; not yet in full working-order. Supply obtained from freehold and education reserve of 1,000 acres. Output disposed of locally and Wellington market. 18. Harris and Rae, Hastwell Native Reserve: Milling-rights leased from J. Stevens. Timber in view limited. Supply obtained from freehold land and Native reserve. Output mostly disposed of in Wellington, remainder utilised locally for building purposes. 19. Mr. Sheath, Mangamahoe : Small sawmill, recently erected on owner's property, to cut dry and sound logs in grassed area. Output mostly utilised locally ; remainder railed to Wellington. 20. F. Smith has erected a small sawmilling plant on portion of the Wellington College endowment land on the Flat Bush Road, distant about two miles from Alfredton. The supply is obtained from freehold and College endowment lands. The output is consumed by local orders as yet. 21. Coradine and Whittaker : Sawmill situated on Mount Bruce Road. Supply obtained from freehold lands. Output mostly utilised in connection with their sash and door factory and general building business, Masterton. Timber carted to Masterton by teams, distant about nineteen miles by partly metalled roads. 22 and 23. A. McLeod, and Barker and Co., sawmillers : Mills situated at Upper Opaki, and on the Kiriwhakapapa Road. These two mills work in conjunction. Mr. McLeod's old mill is almost cut out, and he will remove his plant up to Kiriwhakapapa shortly. Supplies obtained from

t.-A

Bullocks hauling Logs at Kiripaka. (H. P. Kavanagh.)

No. 9.]

29

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freehold lands, and are now limited. Output is ordinary building timber, the major portion of which is railed to Wellington, the remainder is utilised locally. 24. W. Booth and Co. : Sawmill situated in Carterton, near railway-station ; also timber factory and yard. Old-established firm. Supply obtained from freehold land and from selectors under Land Acts, 1892 and 1893, the output being utilised for local building requirements. Remainder despatched to other centres for the same purpose. 25. T. J. Rathbone : Sawmill situated at Kokotau, on the banks of the Ruamah'anga River, about five miles from Carterton. Started work about six months ago. Supply obtained from freehold land, and output utilised for building purposes locally and at Carterton, where the proprietor has a sash and door factory in active operation. 26. W. J. Berrill: Sawmill situated at Longbush. Now working about three years. Supply obtained from freehold property surrounding, also from land held under the Land for Settlements Acts, 1900 and 1901. Output utilised for local building purposes, and in connection with the proprietor's timber-factory in Carterton. 27. Whiteman and Co. : Sawmill situated about nine miles from Gladstone, on the banks of the Wainuioru River. Has been working about two years, cutting small patches of green timber in bends of river. Supply obtained from freehold land. Output utilised for building purposes locally and surrounding centres, also for road-bridges. 28. Vennell Bros. : Sawmill situated about three miles from Te Wharau. Recently started working. Supply, dead trees obtained from land held under Land Acts, 1892 and 1893. Output used for local requirements, this being the only sawmill operating in the locality. 29. Nees and Dryden : Sawmill situated in the Akatarawa Valley, about twelve miles from Upper Hutt Railway-station. Recently commenced operations. Supply obtained from freehold land. Output utilised for building purposes along the line from Upper Hutt to Wellington. 30. Anderson's : Sawmill situated in the Akatarawa Valley, about ten miles from Upper Hutt Railway - station. Supply being obtained from freehold land. Output being utilised for building purposes locally and at centres along railway-line to Wellington. 31. M. Baigent: Sawmill situated in the Akatarawa Valley, about nine miles from Upper Hutt Railway-station. Supply being obtained from freehold land. The output being utilised for building purposes in and round Upper and Lower Hutt and Wellington. 32. T. Price : Sawmill situated in the Akatarawa Valley, about six miles from Upper Hutt Rail-way-station. Mill in course of erection. Will when erected obtain supply from freehold property. Output used for building purposes at Hutt and Wellington. 33. Whitena and Greenwood : Sawmill situated in the Akatarawa Valley, about six miles from Upper Hutt Railway-station. Supply being obtained from freehold land. Output utilised for building purposes locally, Hutt, and Wellington. 34. T. and A. Seed : Sawmill situated about a mile and a half from Mungaroa Railway-station. Mill operating about two years. Supply obtained from freehold land. Output utilised locally and at Wellington for building purposes. 35. W. and T. Burt: Sawmill situated in Whiteman's Valley, about six miles from Upper Hutt Railway-station. Supply obtained from freehold land, and output utilised for building requirements locally, Hutt, and Wellington. 36. Smith's, Nainai: Sawmill situated at Nainai, about four miles from Lower Hutt Railwaystation. Operating about nine months. Supply obtained from freehold land. Output utilised for building purposes'locally.

a—4.

30

Schedule of Sawmills (Eastern and Southern Portion).

Name of Sawmill. Locality. I Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. -jog! Cuttings'! Id 3 : capacity of o S3 Mill B 2? 1 per Annum. ° t) ' Purposes for which Timber is utilised: rw,*™t™™ *»3>» ' («) Locally, for Constuction of Houses, or in cona« «. P *2 = -2 necion with Railway ana Road Works; Annum. * a , (&) Seuding to another District; £ © i * or Export outside the Colony. I Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Akitio Heads .. European and Crown leases Totara, rimu, matai, and 25 2,000,000 1,200,000 kahikatea Waihi Valley .. Crown leases .. .. Ditto.. .. .. 20 750,000 I 560,000 Section 3, Blook V, „ ..... .. .. 10&12 750,000 ! Not yet in Mount Cerberus | full work-ing-order E.R., Section 28, Education Department lease „ .. ..8 500,000 j 250,000. Block VI, Mount and Crown leases Ceiberus Pongaroa .. Crown leases .. .. . .. 22 1,000,000 | 700,000 Marima .. .. „ .. .. Rimu .. .. 25 1,000,000 ! 600,000 .. .. ..14 700,000 700,000 Hukanui .. .. Native and European .. „ .. ..25 1,500,000 800,000 Kakariki F.H.A. .. Crownleases .. .. . .. .. 14 1,200,000 850,000 | Hamua .. .. Native .. .. .. .. ..16 750,000 600,000 Section 27, Block Crownleases .. .. „ .. ... 18 800,000 600.000 ! IV, Tararua Nireaha .. .. Crown leases and European To'a'a, rimu, matai, and 16 ■ 500,000 j 500,000 i kahikatea Stirling F.H.A. .. Crownleases .. .. Rimu .. ' ... 10 & 8 1,000,000 600,000 j Section 45, Block „ .. .. „ .. ..14 750,000 600,000 I VI, Tararua Nireaha .. .. Crown land and European .. Totara, rimu, matai, and 16 1,000,000 650,000 kahikatea Section 39, Block V, European .. .. Rimu.. .. .. 8 500,000 150,000 Mangaone Kaiparoro .. European and education re- „ .. ..20 1,000,000 650,000 serve I I I j _ .. I . _ I I 15 (a) Looal market limited; (6) output disposed of coastwise by steamers and other vessels. Mill ceased operations at present. 14 (a) Local requirements — house - building, bridges, roadworks, &c. Planing and moulding machine attached to mill. 11 New mill with planing plant attached. (a) Local requirements — ordinary buildingtimber. 6 (a) Local requirements — ordinary building, bridge and road works. 16 (a) Looal requirements — house - building, bridges, roadwork, &c. Planing and moulding machine attached to mill. 28 (a) Local requirements; (6) Wellington market. Ordinary and dressed building-timbers. 19 Ditto. 18 21 (b) Major portion of output railed to Masterton and Wei ington ; (a) remainder. Ordinary building-timber, bridges, &c. 14 (a) Small local output ; (6) bulk output, Wellington. Ordinary building-timber. Cut out. 10 (a) Local market; (6) Wellington and Masterton by rail. New mill not yet in full working-order. 16 (a) Local; (b) mostly to Wellington by rail. Ordinary and dressed building - timber, bridges, &c. Practically cut out. 14 (b) Major portion of output railed to Masterton and Wellington; (a) remainder locally. Ordinary building-timber. 15 (a) Locally ; (b) Wellington and Masterton by rail. Ordinary building-timber. 12 (a) Loca'ly ; (b) Wellington market. Givernment orders. Ordinary building and bridge timber. 7 (a) Locally; (b) Wellington market. Ordinary building-timber. Supply limited; mostly dry logs. 15 (a) Locally ; (6) Wellington market. Ordinary and dressed building and bridge timber. New plant erected after fire; not in full working-order. 1. Akitio Totara Sawmilling Company Ak kitio Heads .. ] European and Crown lease es ' Totara, rimu, matai, anc kahikatea Sup. ft. d 25 2,000,000 Sup. ft. 1,200,000 15 (a) Looal market limited; (6) output disposed of coastwise by steamers and other vessels. Mill ceased onerations at nresent. 2. Gardner and Yeoman Wi 'aihi Valley .. ( Crown leases Ditto .. .20 750,000 i i I imu ceaseu operations at present. 560,000 14 (a) Local requirements — house - building, bridges, roadworks, &c. Planing and mOUld3. J. Gosling and Co. .. Se. 1 sotion 3, Blook Mount Cerberui V, is i . 10&12J 750,000 1 ing machine attached to mill. Not yet in 11 j New mill with planing plant attached, full work- (a) Local requirements — ordinary building4. E. Johnson E. ] .R., Section Block VI. Moi 28, 1 unt Education Department leas, and Crown leases 36 I 8 | 500,000 I ing-order timber. 250,000 i 6 j (a) Local requirements — ordinary building, bridge and road works. Ceiberus uiiuge ami ruau wotks. 5. Gardner and Yeoman i Po ongaroa .. ( Crown leases 22 i 1,000,000 i 700,000 16 (a) Looal requirements — house - building, bridges, roadwork, &c. Planing and mould6. Carlson and Co. Mi larima .. Rimu 25 1,000,000 j ing machine attached to mill. 600,000 ! 28 (a) Local requirements; (6) Wellington market Ordinary a.rtr] Araaaar] hniMinor. timt-iaro 7. 8. Hart Udy and Co. .. 9. Poppelwell and Quinlan Hi I Ka ukanui .. akariki F.H.A. .. ] Native and European Crown leases 14 700,000 25 1,500,000 14 1,200,000 ket. Urdinary and dressed building-timbers. 700,000 19 Ditto. 800,000 18 850,000 i 21 (b) Major portion of output railed to Masterton and Wei ington ; (a) remainder. Ordinary hnildine-timher. hridffes. &n. 10. W. Lawrence Hi !amua .. .. 1 Native j 16 : 750,000 j nary Dunaing-timDer, onages, die. 600,000 i 14 (a) Small local output ; (6) bulk output, Wellington. Ordinary building-timber. Cut 11. H. Smith and Son .. Se Bction 27, Bli IV, Tararua lock < Crown leases 12 j 800.000 i 0 _, 0 _-.„ —-. out. 600.000 ! 10 (a) Local market; (6) Wellington and Masterton by rail. New mill not yet in full 12. C. Alberthsen Ni ireaha .. " ( Crown leases and European i ' To'a r a, rimu, matai, anc kahikatea d j 16 i 500,000 j working-order. 500,000 ! 16 (a) Local; (6) mostly to Wellington by rail. Ordinary and dressed building - timber, 13. Popplewell and Quinlan I Sti tirling F.H.A. .. ( Crown leases Rimu . 10 & 8 1,000,000 I bridges, &c. Practically cut out. 600,000 ; 14 (b) Major portion of output railed to Masterton and Wellington; (a) remainder locally. Ordinarv hnildinc.r.imher. 14. Gardner and Son h action 45, Bli lock . i 14 750,000 ordinary Duuaing-timber. 600,000 15 (a) Locally; (b) Wellington and Masterton by vail Arrlinorw i niT f.imViia»> 15. J. Drysdale Ni VI, Tararua ireaha .. .. ( Crown land and European . i Totara, rimu, matai, anc kahikatea id 16 1,000,000 I rail. Ordinary building-timber. 650,000 12 (a)Loca'ly; (ft) Wellington market. Givernment orders. Ordinary building and bridge 16. — McDonald j Seaction 39, Block Mangaone ? V, ] European Rimu . j 8 500,000 timber. 150,000 7 (a) Locally; (ft) Wellington market. Ordinary building-timber. Supply limited; mostly 17. A. Faulkner Ks aiparoro .. ] European and education re e20 1,000,000 dry logs. 650,000 15 (a) Locally; (6) Wellington market. Ordinary

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31

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32

MARLBOROUGH. 1. Messrs. Brownlee and Co. own what is known as the Pelorus Mill, situated at Blackball, on the Pelorus River. This is a very fine up-to-date mill with a steam-power of 250 indicated horse-power. The timber cut is brought down the valley for a distance of about fifteen miles by a well-constructed steam tram-line from the Rongo Valley. A new mill is being constructed near the junction of the Rongo and Opouri branches of the Rai River, to work some of the timber going up these valleys. Tram-lines are now being constructed into these bushes, and an extensive log-hauling plant is already established in the Rongo Valley. This mill employs seventy hands—thirty-four in the mill and thirty-six in the bush ; and it is roughly estimated that the mill has command of enough timber to keep it going for over ten years. The output of this mill is about 3,600,000 superficial feet, of which about 2,400,000 ft. is sent to other districts within the, colony (chiefly to Lyttelton) for building purposes, and 1,200,000 superficial feet is used locally for building purposes. Cutting on Crown lands only. 2. Bryant Bros.' mill is situated on the east side of the Rai Valley, about two miles above the Rai Falls, and is cutting at present from Crown lands. About 500,000 superficial feet is the last year's output. According to their statement, they employ nine hands, and estimate that they have about seven years' work in front of them. The timber is used within the district for building purposes. 3. Cate's sawmill is situated at Flat Creek, west side of Rai Valley, and turns out about 500,000 superficial feet, all of which is for local building purposes, and is obtained from land owned by Europeans. Employs ten hands in mill and bush. Has, roughly, about two or three years' cutting ahead of them. 4. Kenepuru Sawmill: Situated at Kenepuru Sound. Cuts about 500,000 superficial feet. Building-material locally, and sleepers for Railway Department. Employs six men in the mill and five in bush. Cuts from land owned by Europeans. Have about three years' cutting before them. 5. Clinton Mill: Situated up the Puhipuhi River, Kaikoura District. Cut about 250,000 ft. last year from both Crown lands and lands owned by Europeans. Used for building purposes, Kaikoura and surrounding districts. Has probably about five or six years' cutting ahead. 6. Rai Falls Mill : Situated near the junction of the Pelorus and Rai Rivers. Output, about 650,000 ft. last year, cut from land owned by Europeans, and used generally for building purposes in Blenheim. Have just shifted their mill to lower down the Pelorus Valley, where they have probably two years' cutting. 7. Rongo Sawmills : Situated near the head of the Rai Valley. Owned by Robertson Bros. Output, about 900,000 superficial feet. Cut from State forest. About 600,000 ft. rimu used for building purposes, balance chiefly white-pine used for case-making. All goes by wagon to Nelson. Employs eight men in mill, six men in bush, besides carters, &c. 8. Mountain Camp Mill : Situated on the east side of the Wakamarina Valley. Output, about 550,000 superficial feet, obtained from European-held land. Used for local building purposes. Four hands employed in mill and four in bush. 9. Canvastown Sawmills : Situated about two miles up the Wakamarina Valley. Output, 550,000 superficial feet. Cut from State forest. Chiefly used within the district for building purposes in Marlborough, but a little building-timber is exported to Wellington. Employs six hands in the mill and five in the bush. Estimated to have about five years' work in front of them. 10. Brooklyn Bay Sawmill: Situated near the lower reach of the Pelorus River, near where it joins the Sound. The output is said to be about 720,000 superficial feet per annum. Cut from Euro-pean-owned land, and is chiefly sent to Blenheim for building purposes. Twelve hands are employed. The owners —Messrs. Tapp and Eager —estimate that they have only twelve months' more work before them until they are cut out. 11. Onamalutu Mill: Situated up the Onamalutu River. Turns out about 600,000 superficial feet of timber. Cut from European-owned land, and is used in Marlborough for building purposes. Eleven men employed in mill and bush. Estimated to have about three years' supply of timber ahead of them. 12. Sutton's mill: Situated near Brooklyn Bay, Pelorus Sound. Cuts about 300,000 ft., obtained from land owned by settlers. Timber used locally for building purposes. Ten men employed. 13. Spensley's mill: Situated up Puhipuhi River, Kaikoura. Cuts about 250,000 ft., from European land. Employs ten hands. Timber used locally for building. 14. Miskin's mill: Situated near Kaikoura. European land. Employs five men. Annual output, about 250,000 superficial feet. Used locally. General Remarks : State-owned Land. The quantity of timber cut from State forests and Crown lands upon which royalties have been paid is as follows : Cut from State forests from Ist April, 1906, to 31st March, 1907, 2,316,997 superficial feet, yielding a revenue of about £576 13s. in royalty; cut from unoccupied Crown lands during the same period, 2,794,222 superficial feet, yielding a gross revenue of about £599 (40 per cent, of this, amounting to about £240, is handed over to the local bodies, leaving a net revenue of about £359). The total quantity of timber cut from State-owned land was about 5,111,219 superficial feet, made up of 3,090,469 superficial feet of rimu, 1,185,395 superficial feet of kahikatea or white-pine, 410,528 superficial feet of matai, and 48,539 superficial feet of totara. The approximate quantity of timber cut from land owned by Europeans is 4,577,000 superficial f ee t—probably divided as to quantities of timber much the same as that obtained from public forests. Purposes for which the timber is used : With the exception of a small quantity of birch timber cut by one mill for railway-sleepers, and about 304,000 superficial feet of white-pine used for box-mak-ing, the timber is used for building purposes. About 3,500,000 ft. of the timber is exported to places within the colony—2,soo,oooft. to Lyttelton and southern ports, and 1,000,000 ft. to Nelson; the balance is used locally for building purposes. The total number of men employed in and about the mills is about two hundred, and there are probably twenty or thirty more men employed as carters, &c. The total amount of cutting which these fourteen mills estimate they have ahead of them from their present bushes would amount to about 65,000,000 superficial feet. This, although representing a large proportion of the available milling timber in this district, does not represent the whole. There is probably from 80,000,000 to 100,000,000 superficial feet of milling timber still available, and at a greater cost for collection as the bushes get worked out. The total available timber may be put down at perhaps 120,000,000 superficial feet of the class of timber now being cut. After that we shall have to fall back upon inferior timber, such as birch growing on the higher country.

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No. 10.]

"Piking " Logs at Puhipuhi. (Mandars and Bradley.)

Logs about to be " tipped " into Cheek to await a Flood, Whananaki. (C. E. Churton.)

No. 11.]

33

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Schedule of Sawmills.

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..

a s .5 •- !«•§ if_e _c C «s •2<3'3»S S _, 9 ° o H -|_?§« o g_*Q*» _d is ■_; _S w Jh & * w S ° Z S*- 1 a if o -»» a x r CjaB-O" o a. o 2 "SS « B -2 Q o -aa B &> fl O 03 _; co -ao •§ » to "B -ao « B s cfl (44 -P -SJ CD H _ > £ -2 = ti o o 00 a .s Z 9 © * « a 8 © © £ a *r o 2. a ° r 3 s .3 03 -B T3 -= •° Bh 44 fl ~ rt -0°4»<o.O CO .A,-..,-.---..--. S cj tj cs CS tj ___.3J_L___.^_t^-^. p9_?o|drao spu-BH jo joqiunK o O-OH <-. tH o CD tH COHNHOOlO IO tH a. o . Bag = 2. 44? fl o o 000 ■ o 000 £0 o o^ cio o"o"o' S'o 000 00 - CO o o o ©~ O O OOOOOOO O O OOOOOOO O O OOOOOOO o" O OIOOOQOO iO H, COOOOOOHi <X CD CC Hj. t- tD CO CN <M CTGO o oT .•s a 60- 3 S-g~ a 3 3--M o& St o §•8 §00000 00000 000 o o o o"o"o" o" o" © 000 o o o t- SD O O O O rH 1—I i—I tH OOOOOOO OOOOOOO OOOOOOO o" o" o" o* o o" o" O O fM iO O O O (M _>i>Mntoo r-t 1—I o L— 1-t •AjernqoBjaj jo aaMo.i -9S.T0H o CM CC CO CM rH rH -aH rH CO rH CO CO O CO CO O CM O 05 rH CM rH CM rH rH -n 00 4H if ■ « fcf » a S3 o '•3 « '§ e8 ■ • e8 O cS s sis 03" . . of.t. of 00 . . 0J — 0) -a* -*5 4, -ao 03 03 * _j .M 4-.--. M a a Sa 03 03 = ta o3 o p"5 b"J o ass .as ass p. 6 « « Q a fi S ft ft fi ft fe fl _> o a 0C3 £ I" __•" S.S S3 43^ a* 00 I fl s o an o fl 1 a «- o< . O * aa 3 H a 03 00 Pa O aa 3 H 13 fl a a so aa o □ o3 u Pa 2 3 00 no fl a a i o aa o ■O s S fl ca £ oi CO o) Pafl Pa O * O a a a a c § " 3 £ 3 6 o M o *0_ (a 03 W "3 A M o as 3 p 3 O CQ 6-S b £6-L ■ssg E 8 I __.►*- '. '. 2 '. <D 4-. a*. 3 _b_ « a? 53 J* 3 > * > 3 j, a J.? M "S *l*-il 4- **4 4, V Ji o A no 3 03 O fl o ea o fl os ■S* > -b a a a«- ft 3 0! ___ b. £ ° __. 3 a 1 m o 3 3 a; i 1 _. « co 5 V a * — coos g CO — Is £ 1 a tV3_<»0.3 CQOW O 00 '3 DO o no a o « § a, •s 3 a 3 » g? oo J -S x a - 0 5 - a __ C3 __J O o __ .__ 3 » o g 2 sai _H p O co -a- -. a) ° -3 a. P 3 Ot-J3 S O PQ O co to S 00 "rt 44, o EH rH ci CO a*i tf_ to t> ao ci © r*' ci co •*' rH rH rH rH rH

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34

NELSON. There are seventy-one sawmills in the Nelson Land District, twenty-five of that number being erected and cutting on Crown lands, thirty-seven on freehold (European) lands, and nine on Westport Harbour endowment lands. The cutting-capacity per annum of these sawmills is 61,127,000 superficial feet. Fifty-nine sawmills are worked by steam with power, and twelve of the mills are worked by water with 99-horse power —the total horse-power of the mills being 851£. Thirty-five of the mills supply timber for local purposes —namely, house-building, railway-works, and roads; twenty-four supply timber for local purposes, and for building, &c, in other districts ; six supply timber for building purposes in other districts only; and for six there was no output for the year. The output for the last twelve months of different classes of timber cut at the sawmills is as follows : rimu, 12,388,542 superficial feet ; yellow and silver pine, 923,857 superficial feet ; birches, 599,000 superficial feet ; kahikatea, 1,680,000 superficial feet ; totara, 143,000 superficial feet ; matai, 860,000 superficial feet; total, 16,594,399 superficial feet. The number of persons employed in connection with the sawmilling industry is 403. Number of horses and bullocks, 227 of the former and 166 of the latter. Number of miles of tramway constructed, 76 miles 6 chains. Thirteen new sawmills were established during the year. Of the seventy-one sawmills in this district, fifteen are situated between Motueka and Cape Farewell, and twenty-two within the area extending from the City of Nelson southward to the Tadmor Saddle. In every instance but one these mills are cutting on European leasehold and freehold lands, the royalties paid varying from 9d. to Is. per 100 superficial feet. Generally speaking, the milling operations in the areas referred to are carried on with an oldfashioned plant, and on a small scale, four only of the mills being equipped with modern appliances. The timber is as a rule sent to market " off the saw "in its rough state. The milling-timber is becoming very scarce, as settlement on the one hand and devastating bush-fires on the other have reduced the area available for milling to a few patches here and there. At the present rate of output milling-timber will have been cut out of the districts referred to in about eight years. This outlook is not seriously appreciated by the settlers. It is in the western and southern portions of the Nelson District that sawmilling has assumed any important proportions. There are in the Buller County twenty-three mills, and in the Inangahua County eleven mills, operating generally on Crown forests. There has been considerable activity in the timber industry in the counties named during the past year, and the probability is that it will be increased during the current year. With the exception of Bowater and Bryan, who cut for export, all the timber milled in the Buller and Inangahua Counties is used for local purposes —house-building, bridges, railway and public works requirements, and mining. The output of the mills for the year just ended increased by 1,895,800 ft. over the output of the previous year. At the present rate of output of the Buller and Inangahua mills, the forest which is in the vicinity of roads and railways will have been cut out, and the mill-owners will be compelled to cut from the back of inaccessible country to obtain supplies, which will necessitate an improved method of haulage and an improvement on the existing milling plants. There is a desire on the part of certain millers to extend their milling plants, but they hesitate to do so unless the Mining Regulations are amended so as .0 enable them to secure a larger area than 800 acres. This question is one which admits of a difference of opinion. It would appear that the existing area is quite sufficient, and to increase the reservations beyond 600 acres would tend to monopoly, and consequently the extinction of the small sawmiller. In any case, there is not a sufficient amount of milling-timber in the Nelson District to warrant such a change being made. A very desirable alteration, however, would be the abolition of the ss. sleeper-cutting license. It may be said that this provides a means of livelihood for a number of men, but even so, their gain is at the expense of the State, for it is known that hundreds of acres of valuable forests have been destroyed by the exercise of this privilege. Supplementary Data. 1. Prouse's mill is situated in Colli ngwood County, at West Wanganui Inlet. Proprietor has obtained the rights to cut timber off the Taitapu Company's freehold. The principal timbers are rimu, matai, and kahikatea. Mill has just been erected, and it is intended to cut timber for export to Wellington and Christchurch. Timber will be taken from the mill by scows, which can be worked at half-tide. There is a large area of timber land in this locality, therefore a long life may be expected for this mill. 2. White's mill is situated on the Collingwood-Puponga Road, about three miles from the former place. Rimu, matai, and kahikatea are cut off freehold lands. The logs are hauled from the bush by horses, and the timber carted to the Collingwood Wharf, whence the greater part is shipped to Christchurch by scows. This mill has been erected about eight months, and mill has probably about three years' life. 3. C. L. Grant's mill is situated about six miles up the Aorere River, and is cutting timber on Crown lands. The principal timber is rimu, which is taken from the bush by means of a 12-horse-power steam log-hauler, and thence by tramway to the mill-site, a distance of 50 chains. It is then carted by wagons to the Collingwood Wharf and shipped to Christchurch. There is a fairly large area of timbered lands for this mill to operate upon : life is about five years. 4. H. Baigent's mill is erected at Bonny Doon, ten miles from Collingwood, and is cutting on freehold lands. The timber is carted by wagons to the Collingwood Wharf and there shipped to Nelson to supply the city mill. There are about another four years' cutting before timber is exhausted. 5. Walker Bros.' mill is situated at Bainham, twelve miles from Collingwood up the Aorere River. and is cutting timber off freehold lands (rimu, matai, and kahikatea). The timber from this mill is used

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locally and for the supply of mills in Nelson City. There is very little timber to be obtained in this locality. Another year will probably see this mill closed down. 6. W. Grant's mill is situated fourteen miles from Collingwood, and is cutting rimu, matai, and kahikatea off freehold lands. Timber is carted by wagons to Collingwood, where it is shipped to Christchurch. About three years' time will see the supply of timber exhausted. 7. Scott's mill is erected about four miles from the Waitapu Wharf, and is cutting totara and rimu off freehold lands for local consumption. Scott's plant is small and portable, and is used for cutting out small patches of bush wherever obtainable. 8. T. Baigent's mill is erected about two miles to the south-east of Scott's mill, and is cutting rimu and kahikatea off freehold lands. Nearly the whole of this timber is sent to the Nelson City mills and market, a small quantity only being used for local purposes. 9. Reilly's mill is situated about eight miles from the Waitapu Wharf up the Takaka River. This mill is cutting on leasehold lands. The forest includes rimu and kahikatea, the greater part of which is exported to Christchurch. 10. Fauchley's mill is situated about five miles from Reilly's mill on the Takaka River, and is cutting rimu, matai, and kahikatea off freehold lands. This timber is carted by good dray-road to Waitapu Wharf and shipped to Christchurch. 11. Hyland and Kirk's mill is erected four miles south along the Takaka River from Fauchley's mill, and is cutting rimu, matai, and kahikatea off freehold lands. The timber is carted to Waitapu Wharf with wagons along a good dray-road, and shipped to Wellington and Christchurch by vessel owned by Hyland and Kirk. 12. Adjoining the above mill just described Messrs. Hyland and Kirk have another plant, which during the year has not been working, timber-cutting rights not being obtainable. 13. Across the range from Takaka, Thompson and Co. have erected their mill. Cutting has been going on for some three years off freehold and leasehold lands, the principal timber being rimu, matai, and kahikatea. At this mill a tramway is laid some two miles and a half up the hills, with very steep grades. A centre rail is being used (the only instance of the kind in northern Nelson), and by this means a large quantity of timber is used which would otherwise not be obtainable. The timber from the mill is rafted down the mud-flat at high water for a distance of some three miles, and taken on board scows for delivery at Nelson for general purposes. 14. Hewetson and McLean's mill is erected at Marahau, a distance of some ten miles north along the coast-line from Motueka. Rimu, matai, and birch are being cut off leasehold lands and sent to Nelson by scows for building purposes. 15. A. Best and Cos. mill is erected at Riwaka. Rimu, matai, kahikatea are cut off freehold and leasehold lands ; supply almost cut out. Timber is used at sash and door factory, Motueka, and at Nelson for building purposes. 16. Waghorn's mill is situated about nine miles from Motueka. He has secured the right to cut timber off freehold lands by a payment of royalty at 9d. per 100 superficial feet. Matai, rimu, and kahikatea are the only timbers cut, and this is carted to Motueka for sash and door factory and general purposes. A fairly large area of bush still remains to be cut. 17. Heath Bros.' mill has been cutting rimu and kahikatea for a number of years. Timber is carted by good dray-road to Motueka to supply sash and door factory and for building purposes. This bush is practically cut out. 18. Hewetson's mill is erected on freehold lands at the Moutere, and has been cutting for some considerable time to supply local orders. The timber milled includes rimu, totara, and kahikatea. Supply about exhausted. 19. H. Baigent's mill, situated in Nelson City : This is a fully equipped plant. Turning, planing, sash and door making, &c, are carried on. This mill has a large stock of all classes of timber on hand, which is used for building purposes, the timber being obtained from the country mills. 20 and 21. Robertson's and Millar's sawmill plants in Nelson, all somewhat similarly equipped to H. Ba'gent's mill just described. 22. H. Baigent's mill is situated at Pigeon Valley, eighteen miles from Nelson by rail and three miles by good dray-road. The timber-supply is obtained off freehold lands, and comprises rimu, matai, and birch, principally. This mill supplies Baigent's mill in Nelson City. There is fairly large area of timbered lands yet to be cut out. 23. H. Baigent has just finished the erection of another timber-mill adjoining the mill just described. The timber will be cut off freehoM lands. Supply very limited ; will run about a year and a half. 24. Bryant's mill is erected at Pretty Bridge, twenty-four miles from Nelson by rail and three nii'es by road. The timber is cut off freehold land, and comprises matai, birch, and rimu. Supply will last about another five years. Timber utilised for the supply of Nelson City mills and local purposes. 25. Holland and Thomas's mill adjoins Bryant's mill just described. Supply of timber obtained from freehold lands. The timber cut comprises rimu, matai, and birch, which are used for local buildings and factories. Fairly large area of timber available. 26. Holland and Thomas have erected a mill about two miles north of Pretty Bridge. Cutting was carried on here for a number of years, but owing to the lack of orders it has been closed down for some twelve months. There is a fairly large supply of timber yet obtainable. 27. T. Price's mill is erected along the railway-line, twenty-six miles from City qf Nelson. Cutting rimu and birch off freehold lands for 'local requirements and sash and door factories. The supply of timber is very limited. 28. W. D. Thompson's mill is situated at Aniseed Valley, thirteen milos from City of Nelson by rail and six miles by good dray-road. This mill is cutting rimu, matai, and kahikatea off freehold lands, and supplies Richmond and Nelson sash and door factories.

35

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29. Quinney Bros.' mill is situated thirty-six miles from City of Nelson by rail, and is cutting riinu and kahikatea "off freehold lands. Supplies the City of Nelson market. Timber is practically exhausted. , . 30. Price Bros.' mill, adjoining Quinney Bros.' mill, just described, cuts off freehold lands, tne principal timber being rimu, which is used locally and in City of Nelson. This mill has a very limited supply of timber. 31. Curran's mill is situated in the Sherry Valley, forty miles from Nelson by rail and tour miles thence by good dray-road. This mill has been cutting for some two years off freehold lands. Rimu is the principal timber cut, and is sent to the City of Nelson market to supply mills and factories. There is a fairly large area of timber yet available. 32. Anglesey's mill is situated up the Tadmor River from the Tadmor Railway-station—a distance of forty miles from City of Nelson and four miles thence by good dray-road. This plant may be termed " portable," as it is continually being removed to localities where bush can be obtained. Cutting rimu at present on Crown leaseholds for local buildings. This mill has a very limited area of timber available, , 33. Heath Bros.' mill is situated up the Tadmor River a distance of ten miles beyond Anglesey s mill, just described. This mill has just been erected, and is cutting rimu off leasehold sections. No timber has yet been sent to the market, on account of the bad state of road. There is a large area of timbered lands in the locality, and Heath Bros, have secured the right to cut the timber growing thereon. 34. Hanron's mill is situated in Stanley Brook, and is cutting timber off freehold lands—principally rimu, which is sent to the City of Nelson market. Matai is also being cut for local use. There is a "fair amount of timber yet available. 35 T. Stade's mill is erected at Dovedale, and is cutting rimu and kahikatea off freeho.d lands, the greater part of which is sent to the City of Nelson market to supply building requirements. A very limited area of bush now remains to be cut out. 36. Tunnicliffe's mill adjoins T. Slade's mill above described, and is cutting kahikatea, principally off freehold lands. Timber is used for butter-boxes and other general purposes. There is a very small area of bush left to be cut out. 37. Coleman's mill is erected at Kohere, and is cutting matai off freehold lands to supply the Uty of Nelson market. This mill cuts about six months in the year, and the area of bush will last another 38. J. Downie's mill is situated at Murchison. Cutting birch and kahikatea off freehold lands for local house and bridge buildings. Very little timber remains in this locality—has been felled and burnt during the ordinary course of settlement. 39. J. Bell's mill adjoins Downie's mill just described. It is cutting the timber growing on treehold land. Was too heavy for the settlers to fell, hence its utilisation for milling purposes. The mill supplies local requirements. The supply will last for several years. 40. Hunter Bros.' mill is erected close to Bell's mill just described. Cutting on freehold lands. This mill does not work regularly. 41. Bryan and Bowater's mill is erected at Cape Foulwmd, seven miles from the lown ot Westport by railway. Timber is railed to Westport, and shipped to Christchurch and Wellington. This mill is cutting off Crown lands, and pays royalty at schedule rates. The principal timber cut is rimu, of which there is a large supply. 42. Bryan and Bowater's mill is erected in the Town of Westport. Supplied with timber from Crown lands at Cape Foulwind bush, the logs being brought out of bush by tram and railed to Westport The timber is used locally. Rimu is the principal timber cut, 43 G. G. McKay's mill is erected on the Cape Foulwind Railway, five miles from Westport, and is cutting timber on' Crown lands, royalty being paid at schedule rates. The principal timber cut is rimu which is mostly used in Westport, This mill also cuts a number of yellow-pme sleepers, which are supplied to the Railway and Public Works Departments. A fairly large area of bush yet remains to be cut out. . . 44 W and J. Marris's mill is erected in the Town of Westport, This firm gets its supply ot timber from Crown lands at Cape Foulwind, the logs being railed to the mill. The timber is mostly used for local building purposes. Rimu is the timber cut. 45 Monigatti's mill is situated on the Westport-Mokihinui Railway line. The mill is worked by water-power, and is cutting timber—yellow-pine and rimu—off Crown lands, payment for which is made at schedule rates of royalty. The timber is used for local consumption. A large area of bush still remains to be cut. 46. Griffiths Bros.' mill is situated nine miles further north than Momgatti s null, along the Mokihinui railway-line, and cuts rimu principally off freehold lands, the timber being used for local purposes. There is a large area of bush available. 47. Mulrooney's mill is situated about nine miles further north than Griffiths Bros. null. 1 his firm cuts yellow-pine sleepers off Crown lands, which are sold to the Railway Department. This m'll has not got a large area of bush to operate upon. 48. McLennan's mill adjoins Mulrooney's Mill, and cuts rimu principally off Crown lands. Royalty at schedule prices is being paid. The timber is used for local b"uilding purposes. 49. Watson's mill is situated about five miles up the Ngakawau River, and is connected with the railway-lint by a ti'amway which- in some places has a grade of 1 in 7 (the centre-rail system being used iii this case, as it would be impossible to get the timber out from the mill). Mill cuts nmu and yellow-pine sleepers for local consumption and Public Works and Railway Departments. 50 J. and S. Marris's mill is situated twenty-seven miles from Westport, and is cutting rimu off Crown lands. The timber is mostly shipped to Christchurch as a rule, a little being used locally. A fairly large area of bush still remains to be cut out.

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[If. /. Sefton, photo.

Rafting Logs on Awakino Creek, Northern Wairoa

No. 12.]

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5L J. Mumm's mill adjoins Marris's mill just described. It is a small mill, and is cutting rimu principally off Crown lands for local consumption, chiefly for mining purposes. 52. J. Hobb's mill is situated abDut foui miles up Chasm Creek, and cuts yellow-pine timber and sleepers off Crown lands. This bush is just about cut out. 53. R. Blackburn's mill is situated at Karamea. Mill is worked by water-power. This mill has cut no timber during the year. Principal forest growing in the locality is rimu and yellow-pine. i j 54. Karamea Sawmilling Company's mill is situated at Karamea, and is cutting rimu off Crown and freehold lands. This timber is shipped from the mill to Christchurch and Wellington by scows. There is a large area of timber available. 55. J. Bourke's mill adjoins Karamea Sawmilling Company's mill, but has not started operations yet. The principal timber in the locality is rimu, of which there is a large area.. 56. W. Simpson's mill adjoins Bourke's mill just described. The mill cuts yellow-pine sleepers off Crown lands. The sleepeis are shipped, to Westport, and sold to the Railway Department. This mill has a large area of bush to operate upon. 57. W. Gibson's sawmill is situated eight miles from Westport, and is cutting yellow-pine sleepers and rimu off Crown lands for local consumption. A large area of forest is available. 58. Shine's mill is about four miles south from W. Gibson's mill just described. The mill is cutting timber off Crown lands, principally yellow-pine sleepers, which are carted by wagons along a good road to Westport and sold to the Railway Department. A fairly large area of timber still remains to be cut out. 59. J. Mitchell's mill is situated two miles south of Shine's mill just described. This mill is erected on freehold property, and is cutting off freehold lands. The mill is worked by water-power, and the timber used for local building purposes. 60. Four-mile Sawmilling Company's mill is situated about eight miles further south than Mitchell's mill, and is cutting yellow-pine sleepers principally off Crown lands. These are carted to Charleston, and shipped to Westport, and sold to the Railway Department. There is a large area of bush in this locality yet to be cut out. 61. Erskine and Hawkin's sawmill is situated along the Buller River, six miles from Westport, and is cutting rimu and yellow-pine off Crown lands. This is a small mill worked by water-power, and will take some time to cut out the bush available for milling. 62. E. Lockington's mill is erected three miles from Reefton, and is cutting birch, rimu, and kahikatea off Crown lands. Timber is used for mining and general building purposes. This mill has a fairly large area of timber to cut out. 63. Lockington has another mill within a mile of the mill just described. This mill has been cutting for some ten years past, birch being the principal timber cut. It is used for mining and building purposes. This mill has practically cut out the bush available. 64. Archer's mill is situated at a place six miles along the Inangahua River, and cuts yellow-pine sleepers off Crown lands. The sleepers are carted to Reefton in wagons, and taken delivery of by the Railway Department at their station. This bush will be cut out within twelve months from present date at present rate of cutting. 65. McMahon's mill is situated on the Inangahua River, and cuts timber off Crown lands—rimu, kawaka, and yellow-pine sleepers. The two first-named timbers are used in construction of bridges and house-building in Reefton, and the sleepers are delivered to the Railway Department. 66. Perotti's mill is situated along the Reefton-Greymouth Railway line a distance of eleven miles. This is one of the oldest-established mills in the district, and is cutting rimu off Crown lands at schedule rates of royalty. The greater part of the timber goes to Greymouth for building purposes, while a small percentage goes to Reefton to supply the timber-yard kept there by the mill-owner. The supply of timber for this mill is very limited. 67. Proceeding south along the Reefton-Greymouth Railway line for a distance of four miles, and thence easterly along the Blackwater Creek for five miles, the Consolidated Goldfield Company's sawmill is reached. This mill is cutting off Crown lands any kind of timber suitable for mining purposes. A large area of timbered lands is available in this locality. 68. H. Bowater's mill is situated south about three miles from the Consolidated Goldfield Company's mill just described. This mill is fully equipped, containing as it does all the modern appliances. Rimu is cut off Crown lands for export to Christchurch. A fairly large area of bush still remains in this locality. 69. J. de Fillippi's mill is erected between the Township of Lyell and Inangahua, and cuts birch, rimu, and kahikatea off freehold lands. This timber is used mostly in connection with mining. Very little has been cut lately, there being no demand for it, mining being practically at a standstill in the district. 70. Line's mill is situated on the Buller River, and is cutting totara and rimu off freehold lands for local house-building purposes. A large area of timber still remains to be cut out. 71. Newman's mill is north from Westport seven miles along the railway-line, and is cutting rimu and kahikatea off freehold lands, which is used in connection with local buildings.

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38

Schedule of Sawmills.

Whether cutting on Crown, Native, r European Lands. Quantity cut of each Class of Timber. Output per Annum, N.umber of Sleepers inclusive. -3 Cutting- J. . capacity 2.2 of Mill £» per %Z Annum. £ ° i-3 8.9' S=h 3 to i — ; if a gh CD O * P " 13 U X 0) .O fl O Number of Horses or Bullocks. Purpose for which Timber is u.ed: Mi!es of {a.) Locally, for Construction of Tramway Homes, or in connection with in Use. Railway or Koad Works; (6.) Sending to another District; (c.) For Export out of tue Colony. Name of Sawmill. Locality. I ! 1. Prouse's West Wanganui Inlet, Bl ck VIII, Pakawau S D. Perntown, Block X, Pakawau S.D. Kaituna, Block III, Aorere S.D. Bonny Doon, Bl-ck VII, Aorere S.D. Bainham, Block VII, Aorere S.D. Bainham, Block VI, Aorere S.D. Takaka, Block VII, Tak .ka S D. Takaka, Block III, Takaka S.D. Long Plain, Block II, Takaka S.D. West Takaka, Block XI, Takaka S.D. Upper Takaka, Block XI, Takaka S.D. Ditto Awaora, Block VI, Totaranui S.D. Marahou, Block VI, Kaiteriteri S.D. Riwaka, Block VII, Kaiteriteri S.D. Ngatimoti, Block X, Motueka S.D. Ngatimoti, Blook XIV, Motueka S.D. Moutere, Block VII, Motueka S.D. Nelson City European freehold Superficial fee.. 20,000 rimu ... Sup. ft. 20.000 Sup. ft. 1,875,000 20 Steam 5 j 3 horses Nil Mill just commenced cutting for (6). 2. Whites Crown lands 260,000 rimu, 30,000 matai, 20,000 birch. 20,000 rimu 310,000 800,000 3 10 6 6. (a), and (6) Christohurch and Wellington. 50 chains (a), and (6) Cbristchurch; 12-horse-power steam hauler. 50 „ (6) Nelson. 110 „ (a), and to Nelson. 40 „ (a) and 1 (6) ; using 6 - horsepower steam hauler. 20 „ (a), and Nelson. 3. C. L Grant's 20,000 1,000,000 200 5 12 6 6 „ 4. H. Baigent's European freehold 210,000 rimu, 60,000 matai, 30,000 kahikatea 20.000 kahikatea, 80,000 rimu, 20,000 matai 230,000 rimu, 169,435 kahikatea 300,000 1,000,000 4 12 6 6 bullocks 6 horses 3 7 bu locks 5. Walker Bros.'' 120,000 1,000,000 1 12 6. W. Grant's .. 400,000 1,200,000 180 3 12 6 7 horses 7. Scott's 40,000 rimu, 80,000 totara 120,0001 'j 600,000 50 2 8 4 6 „ 8. T. Baigent's 225,000 rimu, 80,000 kahikatea .. 310,000 1,500,000 1 16 7 6 bullocks 6 horses 7 7 „ 10 bullocks 6 8 . 7 horses 6 6 „ 8 bullocks Nil 9 W. Keilly's lO.Pauchley Bros.' European leasehold European freehold 200,000 rimu, 100,000 kahikatea 190,000 rimu, 130,000 kahikatea, 40 000 matai 210.000 rimu, 95,000 kahikatea, 50,000 matai Mill not cutting during year 340,000 rimu, 100,000 kahikatea, 20,000 birch 80,000 rimu, 20,000 matai, 20,000 birch 200,000 rimu, 20,000 matai, 60,000 kahikatea 140,000 rimu, 60,000 matai, 80,000 kahikatea 150,000 rimu, 50,000 kahikatea.. 330,000] 360,000 I 1,500,000 1,500,000 3 5 16 16 150 chains j (a), and (b) Christohurch. Nil 11. Hyland and Kirk's .. 1 355,000 1,000.000 i 12 90 ehainsi . „ 12. „ .. 13. Thompson and Go.'s .. . 460,000 1,000,000 800,000| 5 12 12 7 6 bullocks 3 horses 4 6 bullocks 100 „ 200 „ : (b) Christchuroh. i 14. Hewetson and McLean's European lease .. 120,000 550,000 5 8 Nil (6). Mill not long er.cted. 15. A. Best and Co. 's European freehold 280,000 700,000 2 8 5 j 6 horses ■ 6 bullocks 4 | 6 horses 6 bullocks 4 6 horses 30 chains j (a), and Nelson. 16. Waghorn's .. i 280,000 600,000 3 S Nil (a), and supplies sash and door factory, Mo.ueka. 60 chains Ditto. 17. Heath Bros.' 200,000 ij 600,0001 1 S 18. Hewetson's 40,000 rimu, 20,000 totara, 80,000 kahikatea 140,000 i 600,000 8 3 5 , 3 19. Baigent's 20 18 5 18 Timber supplied from country mills. Ditto. 20. Robertson Bros.' 21. Miller's 22. H. Baigent's.. I 1,350,000 ■20 20 16 22 6 „ 17 4 . 9 12 , 6 bullocks 22 17 9 Pigeon Valley, Waiiti S.D. European freehold 320,000 rimu, 60,000 matai, 20,000 birch 400,000 3 - - 80 chains

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23 Ditto " Mill just erected ; not yet commence, to cut 280,000 rimu, 40,000 birch \" 10 I , 2 24. Bryant's .... , - " 25. Holland and Thomas's Prettv Bridge, Waiiti S.D. Ditto European freehold 320,000 800,000 I - I 5 104 . 6 6 horses 9 bullocks 10 6 horses 60 chains (a), and supplies town mills. 20,000 birch, 350,000 rimu, 90,000 matai 390,000 1,000,000 5 14 12 8 9 "a (a), and sash and door factories, Richmond and Nelson. Not cutting during year. (a), and sash and door factories. 26. 27. Thomas Price's Belgrove,Wai-iti SD.. a 150,000 rimu, 25,000 birch 1,000,001. 175,000 600.000 t . 5 i 2 6 bullocks 4 horses 6 . 8 bullocks 6 horses Nil 28. W. D. Thompson's .. 29. Quinney Bros.' Aniseed Valley, Waimea S.D. Glen Rae, Wangapeka, Block XII. Ditto 95.000 kahikatea, 230,000 rimu, 70.000 matai 80,000 rimu, 15,000 kahikatea .. 395,000 800,000 95,000 800,000 3 1 10 | . 10 . 12 i . 12 | . ■ 6 6 4 7 7 30 chains (a), and Nelson. 30. Price Bros.' . 360,000 rimu, 40,000 kahikatea .. 400,000 1,000,000 2 I 4 8 9 bullocks 6 horses 8 bullocks 7 horses 6 bullocks Nil (a), and (b) Christchuroh. 31. Curran's 32. Anglesey's 33. Heath Bros.'... 34. M. Hanron's Sherry River, Block III, Tadmor S.D. Tadmor, Block III, Tadmor S.D. Cat Cretk, Block XI, Tadmor S D. Stanley Brook, Waiiti S.D. Dovedale, Wai - iti S.D. Ditto European lease .. i 1 300,000 rimu, 70,000 matai, 40,000 kahikatea | 40,000 rimu, 20,000 birch 10,000 rimu .. 410,000 1,000,000 60.000J 200,000 10,000 700,000 6 _ i 3: . ! 3 6 250 chains Nil (a) only. Mill just erected. European freehold 200,000 rimu, 90,000 matai 290,000 1,000,000 « 12 1 . 6 6 horses .. 6 bullocks 4 horses.. (a), and Nelson mills. 35. T. Stade's 130,000 rimu, 40,000 kahikatea.. 170,000 500,000 2 i (a) only. el . 4 36. Tunnicliffe's 70,000 rimu, 280,000 kahikatea .. 350,000j 1,000,000 1 i i 6 „ .. 8 bullocks 4 horses .. (a), and Nelson mills. 12 1 „ 6 37. Coleman's 38. T. Downie's 39. J. Bell's 40. Hunter Bros.' Kohere, Block VIII, Tndmor S.D. M .rchison, Blook II, Tutaki S.D. Murchison, Block I, Tutaki S.D. Pern Plat, Block I, Tutaki S.D. Cape Foul wind Westport.. Cape Poulwind Westport.., , 40,000 matai 14,000 birch, 110,000 kahikatea.. 23,000 totara, 60,000 matai, 10,000 kahika-ea Not cutting during year 40,000 500,000 124,000 800,000 93,000 450,000 1 4 8 I 6 10 I 8 . 3 5 3 2 ,, ... 8 bullocks 3 horses .. (a) only; outs only part of year. (a) only, principally building. (a) only. 800,000 2 10 Water 41. Bryan and Bowater's .. 42. 43. G. G. McKav's 44. W. and J. Marris's .. 45. J.J. Monigatti's 46. E. and J. Griffiths's .. 47. Mulrooney and Co.'s .. 48. D. McLellan's 49. R. J. Watson's 50. J. and S. Marris's 51. J. Mann's 52. J. H bbs's 53. R. Blackburn jun. 's .. 54. Karamea Sawmilling Company 55. J. J. Bourke's 56. W. Simpson's 57. W. Gibson's 58. B. Shine's .. Birchfield Ngakawau Crown land Crown and private Crown land Crown and private Crown land 8,136 yellow-pine, 754,304 rimu.. 780,000 rimu, 9,436 yellow-pine.. 250,502 rimu, 17,780 \ellow-pine 152,709 rimu, 199,000 others .. 100,000 rimu, 23,828 yellow-pine 65,000 rimu, 435,000 otners 500 vellow-pine, 300 sleepers 6.490 rimu 143,462 rimu, 11,068 yellow-pine 403,737 rimu 82,737 rimu .. 26,138 yellow-pine, 6,807 sleepers 762,440 2,000,000 789,436 1,000,000 268,282 750,000 351,709! 1,560,000 123,828i 200,000 500,0001 980,000 7,500j 312,000 6,490 500,000 154,000! 1,000,000 592.537J 2,000,000 82,737! 900,000 182,658! 520,000 563 354 400 400 295 150 200 363 200 400 200 200 197 800 5J 4 6 5 6 6 8 6 2J 4 5 1 5 25 Steam 20 -41*. _, 12 19 6 25 8 8 14 19 8 6 5 Water 12 Steam 12 15 8 8 5 7 2 8 8 3 6 15 4 horses.. 7 . .. 5 . .. 3 „ .. 5 „ .. 4 , .. 1 „ .. 2* 2| 3 "i 3 2 1 6 (b). (a). (a) and (6). la). (a). (a). (a). (a). (a) and (6). (a) and (6). la) (b.) (a). (4 a. . Mokihinui Crown and private Crown land 4 horses .. 4 • .. 3 . .. 5 „ .. Karamea .. Crown and private 377,566 rimu 654,930] 1,300 i000 6 horses.. 3 I 13,008 rimu .. 1.500 sleepers 10,180 rimu, 1,718 sleepers 2,533 rimu, 1,871 sleepers 350,000 2,000,000 35,000 900,000 50,333 700,000 46,457 200.000 600 492 200 200 ' 6 6 20 8 6 Water! 5 6 3 3 li 2 (a) and (b). (a) and (o). (a) and (6). Addison's.. Totara River Crown land 4 horses.. 3 „ .. 2 . • •!

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Schedule of Sawmills— continued.

Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European Lands. Quantity cut of each Class of Timber. Output per Annum, Number of Sleepers inclusive. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. ■a a, 44 .4 fl o - a tx a4 O <D a. < CO o 3 4 o 0«4 US 44 o 5 A "S. Number of Horses or Bullocks. Miles of Tra . way in Use. Purpose for which Timber is used; (a.) Locally, for Construction of H ouses. or in connection with Kailway or Rosd Works; (b.) Sending to another District; (c.) For Export out of the Colony. Name of Sawmill. Locality. 9. J. P. Mitchell's 60. Pour-mile Sawmilling Company 61. Erskine and Hawkin's Company 62. E. Lookington's Charleston Private land Crown land Superficial feet. 35 000 rimu 3,713 rimu, 8,106 sleepers Sup. ft. 35,000{ 192,853 Sup. ft. 390,050 520,000 50 400 2 4 10 IWater 8| . 2 5 2 horses.. 4 „ .. 1 (o). 4 (a) and (b). Nine-mile Road 6,583 rimu, 3,096 yellow-pine .. | 9,679| 299,565| 1,000,000 122 4 6 | . 2 2 « .. (a). Burke's Creek, Block IX, Reelton S.D. Waitahu, Block IX, Reefton S.D. Larry's Creek Block, Reefton S.D. Ditto 249,000 birch, 20,000 rimu, 30,565 kahikatea 2,500,000 742 12 \ Steam 16 12 10 7 „ .. 230 chains (a), principally for mining purposes. 160 „ Not cutting during year. Freehold 275 63. 700,000 355 1 9 10 horses.. 126 . (a) and (b) ; supplies sleepers for railways. 70 „ Ditto. 64. P. W. Aroher's Crown land 278,000 yellow-pine .. ... 278,000 10 41,000rimu, 48,000 yellow-pine.. 89, OOOj 480,000 705 10 Water 2 6 bullock 2 horses.. 5 . .. 65. John McMahon 11 200 „ (a), (6), (c); using 12-horse-power log-hauler. 350 , (a), mining-timber. 66. G. Perotti's Snowy Creek Block, Mawhera-iti Blackwater Creek Block, Mawhera-iti 1,200,000 rimu 1,200,000 1,728,000 565 5 16 Steam 67. Consolidated Goldfields Company of New Zealand 68. Henry Bowater's 150,000 rimu, 150,000 biroh 300,000 634,000 354 6 10 | . 6 3 . .. 1,200,000 rimu 1,200,000| 1,728,000 600 1 8 Water 13 12 4 I 3 „ .. 220 . (a) and (6), for house-building purposes. 40 . (a) only, mining-timber principally. Mawhera-iti Blook European freehold 25,000 rimu, 35,000 birch 60,000 700,000 8 4 69. J. de Pillippi 70. J. Lines's Block III, Inangahua, Three-channel Plat Block IV, Inangahua S.D. Pairdown, Block IV, Kawatiri 20,000 totara, 40,000 rimu, 15,000 kahikatea 40,000 rimu, 10,000 kahikatea .. 75,000: 700,000 7 10 ! Steam 10 3 4 horses.. i 2 . .. Nil (a) only, for building purposes. 100 chains (a) only. 71. Newman's 50,000 800,000 4 4 Totals .. 12,388,542 rimu, 923.857 yellow and silver pine, 599,000 birch, 1,680,000 kah katea, 143,000 totara, 860,000 matai; total, 16,594,399 sup, ft, 16,594,399! '61,127,000 •• — 851J ti c3 I Oi <M ! -a y-t 403 227 horses.. 166 bullocks 76 m. 8ch.

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No. 13.]

"Tripping" A Dam, Puhipuhi. (Mandars and Bradley's Bush.)

No. 14.]

Engine hauling Logs at Mangapeehi, Taranaki.

Falling Trees at Otanga, Hawke's Bay.

Bosh-falling at Otanga, Hawke's Bay.

No. 16.]

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41

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WESTLAND. The accompanying schedules fairly indicate the present position in this district of the timber industry, which, although distinctly progressive, does not differ much from that obtaining in 1905. There are now forty-nine mills as against fifty-one two years ago, but, owing to renewal of machinery and more up-to-date appliances, the cutting-capacity of the mills is 94,426,000 ft. as against 88,990,000 ft. The output for the year (44,933,813 ft.) has also increased by 7,600,000 ft. This is mainly due to the additiona output of the following mills : Craig and Sheedy (Marsden), Lincoln Bros. (Stafford Siding), Malfroy and Co., Baxter Bros., Olderog and Co. (now Tennant and Co.), (Ho Ho). The above mills have cut 5,000,000 ft. over their output for the year previous. The number of sleepers obtained during the past year was approximately 95,000. These were supplied to the Railway and Public Works Departments, and consisted wholly of silver-pine. There were also about two thousand telegraph-poles supplied to the Postal Department, a large number being used in connection with the extension of telephone lines in South Westland. Two mills closed during the year—-namely, Mcllroy's at the Loop Line, and Webb's at Hokitika, both small mills. The former worked out an area of rimu timber, chiefly for blocks and props for gold-mining companies at Kumara and Waimea, and having completed their contracts the mill closed down, as it was too far from the railway for export trade. Webb's mill, owned by a Christchurch syndicate, found the expense of bringing logs to the mill too heavy, and after two attempts was also compelled to close down. Two mills were shifted—Nyberg and Co. removing their mill from Kokiri to Moana, and Roberts and Co. from Kokiri to Lake Mahinapua. As stated previously, the main supply of timber in Westland is drawn from the district north of Hokitika, and until better communication and means of transit is obtained to and from South Westland it will continue so. Around Kotuku and Lake Brunner there still remains a large belt of forest country, on which are mills owned by Messrs. Wallace and Laurie, Craig and Sheedy, Nyberg and Co., and R. Stratford and Co. These are fully equipped, and mill a large quantity of timber. Further down the same line, at Kotuku, Aratika, Kokiri, and Kaimata, are the mills owned by Messrs. Jack Bros., Waller and England, Stratford, Blair and Co., and Baxter Bros. These mills keep working very steadily, and are responsible for rather more than half the output. They are chiefly cutting red-pine for export to other districts in New Zealand ; the chief use being for building purposes, a small percentage being used for furniture-making by the cabinetmakers. A few of the mills export a little white-pine to Australia, this being used chiefly for the manufacture of butter-boxes. White-pine is a timber that can only be cut when required for immediate use, as if stacked outside and exposed to the weather it becomes discoloured and unsaleable. The mills on the Grey-Reefton line are somewhat smaller, and not so numerous. The principal mills at Ngahere are owned by Messrs. Hamer and Donaldson, Uddstrom and Co., and G. Hahn; while at Orwell Creek, Ericksen has an up-to-date mill. These are also cutting red-pine for export to other districts in New Zealand. Other smaller mills —viz., Messrs. Marshall and Co., Saddler and Molloy, and Fisher and Co.—cut silver-pine for sleepers. On the Hokitika-Grey Railway line we have Messrs. Stratford and Blair (Paroa), Butler Bros. (Gladstone Siding), Morris and Co. and G. D. Wilson and Co. (Kumara Junction), Westland Sawmilling Company and G. D. Wilson and Co. (Kapitea Creek), Lincoln Bros. (Stafford), Malfroy and Co., Baxter Bros., Olderog and Co. (now Tennant and Co.), (Ho Ho). One of the above mills—viz., Malfroy and Co.—executed an order for the Exhibition buildings, this firm supplying most of the timber used in their construction, the balance being supplied by Messrs. Baxter Bros., also of Arahura. Malfroy and Co. have a very up-to-date equipment, having three miles iron tramway, on which is running a new locomotive doing splendid work. These comprise all the larger mills on this line, and they also are cutting red-pine for export and to other districts of New Zealand. A few small mills at Kumara export a small quantity of red-pine, but their chief employment is cutting for mining claims, such as props for underground workings, blocks for paving sluice-boxes and tail-races, and generally the timber required for the mines. On the south side of the Hokitika River are the sawmills of Messrs. Stewart and Chapman, Hansen and Co., and Potts and Co. (rimu), and of Messrs. Perry and Hegan, Morris and Co., and D. H. Roberts, on the Hokitika-Ross Railway. These mills are all cutting red-pine for export to other districts for building purposes, while the first three mentioned supply timber for general mining purposes, as well as a small quantity for house-building throughout the district. Messrs. Stewart and Chapman (Waitaha) are too far away from the railway to compete in the export trade, but supply a large quantity of silver-pine sleepers, as well as silver-pine for bridge-build-ing, and a small quantity of red-pine for building purposes locally. Grimmond's mill (Ross) cuts only for local use, house-building, mining, &c, while Zala (Okarito Forks), who has lately re-equipped his water-power machinery, deals principally in silver-pine sleepers, &c. Two mills are being erected at Hatter's Terrace for the purpose of cutting silver-pine sleepers, Brown and party having an area of 200 acres with two reservations of 200 acres each, and Southorn and party 200 acres with three reservations. This comprises 1,400 acres of fairly good timber country, although some of the smaller timber has been cut out by axemen under splitters' warrants issued by the Warden. During the coming year Messrs. Stratford and Co. and several other firms propose to erect mills adjoining the Ross-Hokitika Railway. This line is expected to be completed during the coming year, and will enable millers to operate on large areas which are now unprofitable; and should the contiguous reserves, now offered for sale by the Hokitika Harbour Board, be disposed of, fully 12,000 acres of good milling forest will at once be occupied by large mills. Taken as a whole, the industry is in a flourishing condition, and indications point to a further advance during next twelve months. The demand for timber continues to be fairly brisk, orders are plentiful, and most of the mills are working full time.

6—C. 4.

Schedule of Sawmills.

C—4

42

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. *4 >• _, ., ° -0 Purposes for which Timber is utilised: -?; Cutting- g » o (0) Locally, for Const ucti..n of Houses, or in con- « Jj a capacity of Output per __, ■§ o nee ion with Railway an.. Boad W orks; = «■■§ Ml " Annum. gsg, t Seuding to another Di-Vict: X a< P er Annum - | K | (c) For Export outside the Colony. Wallace and Co. Nyberg and Co. Craig and Sheedy Morris and Co. Jaok Bros. Waller and Co. Baxter Bros. .. Roberts and Co. Stratford and Blair R. Stratford .. Stratford and Blair Inchbonnie Moana Th Kinga.. Moana Kotuku Kokiri Lake Mahinapua .. Kokiri Moana Kaimata Arnold Siding Ikamatua Totara Flat Ngahere Moana Ngahere European Crown European Crown Crown and European Crown European Ciown Crown and European Crown Red and white pine Red, white, and black pine Red and white pine Red-pine Red, white, and silver pine Red and white pine Red and silver pine Red and white pine S.lver-pine 25 25 20 25 30 30 16 16 20 30 16 12 16 8 10 20 20 25 9 8 11 30 12 Snp. ft. 2,500,000 4,368,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,200,000 1,800,000 3,000,000 2,800,000 2,500,000 2,100,000 1,000,000 900,000 1,500,000 2,500,000 2,300,000 2,500,000 1,248,000 960,000 1,000,000 2,600,000 1,500,000 Sup. ft. 884,300 3,330,500 1,915,500 | 1,373,500 2,381,500 1,646,600 2,461,200 348,000 2,007,600 1,577,900 2,112,200 1,522,300 200,000 120,000 227,700 138,300 1,199,400 1,359,400 200,000 160,000 250,000 122,300 700,000 15 Utilised for (as., (b), and (c). 43 „ (a), (6), and (c). 20 „ (a), (b), and (c). 18 „ (a), (b), and (c). 25 . (o). 16 „ (6). 17 . (6) and (c). 16 „ (b). 20 „ (a), (b), and (c). 22 . (6) and (c). 16 » (a) and (6). 14 „ (6) and (c). 12 „ (a), 3 „ (a). 10 „ (6) and (c). 15 ' „ (as), (b), and (c). 15 „ (6) an.i Ic). 15 „ (6) and (c). 6 „ (a). 8 . (a). 8 . (a). 6 . (6). 10 „ (a). Bignell and Co. Marshall and Co. Hahu.. Nyberg Uddstrom Hamer and Co. Sad er and Co. Pish, r and Co. Perotti and Co. Erickson and Co. Government .. Crown and European Crown Red and white pine _ Silver-pine Red and silver pine Red and white pine Blackball.. Orwell Creek State Coal-mine .. European Crown Crown and European Red and white pine and birch Red and white pine Duncan Stratford and Co. O. Buller Morris G. Wilson McC mnon Watson McGrath Westland Company G. Wilson Lincoln Bros. .. Coal Creek Greymouth Oladstone Siding .. Kumara European Ciown Crown and European Crown Red-pine 16 25 16 20 20 16 14 14 30 20 25 30 40 1,500,000 2,600.000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 1,900,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,300,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 250,000 1,082,600 703,800 1,366,200 676,400 100,000 180,000 200,000 913,900 1,651,400 1,284,289 Nil 2,042,363 8 „ (a) and (b). 24 „ (a), (b), and (c). 16 „ (as) and (6). 12 „ (a) and (6). 15 „ (a) and (6). 4 „ (a). 6 „ (a) and (b). 6 „ (as) and (6). 16 „ (b) and (c). 14 „ (6) and (c). 12 „ (as) and (6). 18 ! „ (a) and (6). 21 ; „ (as) and (o). Kapitea Red and white pine Malfroy and Co. J. Smith Perry and Co. .. Potts and Co. .. Stuart and Co... Hansen and Co. Sheedy and Co. Morris and Co. Grimmond Stuart and Co. Zala .. Baxter Bros. .. 'Pennant and Co. Taminelli Stafford .. Flowery Creek Ho Ho .. Koitirangi South Spit Woodstock Rimu Crown, European, and Native Crown and European Cutting operations ceased for Crown and European Crown Red pine pist twelve months. Red and white pine Red-pine Marsden Mahinapua Ross M.konui .. Okarito .. Upper Arahura Crown and European European Crown Red and white pine Rimu and silver-pine 20 24 12 16 20 16 16 12 12 18 16 10 2,500,000 2,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 800,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 750,000 1,219,388 457,156 610,351 467,510 1,078,700 348.000 170,000 220,000 80,000 2,448,200 1,132,700 12,656 44,933,813 15 „ (as), (6), and (e|. 7 ,, (as) and (6). 8 „ (a) a-d (6). 13 4 (a) and (6|. 14 „ (a) and (6). 12 „ (b) and (c). 4 „ (a). 6 . (as). 4 „ (a). 17 „ (a) and (b). 17 „ (as) and (b). 6 . (as) and (6). . Crown and European Red-pine Kanieri Crown ! Totals 912 94,526,000 645 !

43

0.—4

CANTERBUEY. In North Canterbury there are five sawmills established; one near Waiau, in the Amuri County; and four near Oxford, in the Ashley County. The Highfield Mill, near Waiau, is owned by Mr. R. A. Chaffey, the timber cut being on freehold lands ; the mill has a capacity of 800,000 ft. per annum, but is not at present in operation. The four mills near Oxford are owned by Messrs. Ryde Bros., J. Rossiter, E. Feary, and H. Bunn ; they have a total cutting-capacity of about 1,500,000 ft. per annum, but the actual output is about a third of that amount. The timber cut is principally birch and red-pine, and is supplied to the Christchurch market, and generally throughout North Canterbury, for buildings, bridges, &c. At Little River, which was formerly the centre of the extensive timber trade connected with Banks Peninsula, the bush has now practically all been cut out, and little, if any, cutting is now done, as efforts are being directed rather to the preservation of the few remaining patches of bush. In Alford Forest, in the Ashburton County, one mill, with a capacity and output of about 450,000 ft. per annum, is engaged on private lands, the timber cut being principally birch. At Peel Forest, in South Canterbury, where a considerable timber industry formerly existed, there is only one mill working occasionally on freehold land, with a small output for local consumption. Two other travelling mills are also engaged in different parts of South Canterbury cutting timber from plantations on freehold properties, and there is besides a limited industry in cutting firewood, stakes, &c, at Waimate, and in other localities.

44

a—4

Schedule of Sawmills.

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown. Native, or European. I Varieties of Timber-trees cut. a- >. i°. Cutting- ? £ a capacity of of-zz Mill 1 8 c. per Annum. Output per J "go Annum. £ *ft jzi co Purposes for which Timber is utilised: (a) Locally, lor Construction of Houses, or in connection with Railway nnd Koad Works; lb) Sending 10 anothei- Di.trict; (c) For Expoit outside the Colony. 1. Highfield .. Amuri .. .. European Oxford .. .. Crown Birch, black, white, and red pine Birch and red-pine 17 Sup. ft. 800,000 Sup. ft. Not working •• 2. Woodside .. 8 350,000 I 158,000 10 Locally and North Canterbury District, for construction of houses, buildings, br.dges, i&c. Ditto. 3. Mount Oxford 4. Rimu 5. Farmer's 6. Alford Forest .. Crown and European Alford Forest .. European Principally birch Birch and a little whitepine Black and white pine and ins gnis Gum, insignis, oak, and macrocarpa 10 10 8 10 400,000 400,000 350,000 j 450,000 140,000 100,000 104,000 450,000 9 7 5 12 Locally, for building houses, bridges, &c. 7. Peel Forest 8 Say, 250,000 j 12,000 } 3 Locally, for building houses, bridges, <feo. (Only occasional. y working.) Locally, for building houses, bridges, &c. (Going to different farms and cutting as required.) Ditto. 8. Scott Bros. .. South Canterbury 16 Not ascertained Ab't 100,000 4 9. Hopkinson .. Ditto .. 15 Ditto Ab't 100.000 4 Totals 102 3,000,000 1,164,000 54 •

C—4.

Hauling Timber up Steep Incline, Otanga, Hawke's Bay.

No. 17.1

No. 18.

Overhead Apparatus for hauling Logs, Ngapaeruru, Hawke's Bay.

C.—i.

Logs ready for hauling to Arnold Mill, Greymouth. (Stratford, Blair, and Co.)

No. 19.]

No. 20.]

Engine for hauling Logs at Arnold Mill, Greymouth (J. Ring.)

45

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OTAGO. There are nine mills engaged in the timber industry in Otago, but these may be looked upon as small plants ranging from 8 to 25 horse power. Their total output averages slightly over 3,000,000 cubic feet per annum, but this quantity varies somewhat in accordance with the local demand. Dunedin City constitutes the principal market, a limited quantity being absorbed by the country districts and Canterbury. With the progress of the Catlin's-Waikawa Railway the number of mills may increase ; but without the railway as a means of taking away the timber there is little chance of any great strides being made in sawmilling. The absence of suitable harbours is a serious drawback to the timber industry in the southern part of the Otago Land District. For a part of last year a mill was working near the mouth of the Tautuku River, from the estuary of which a small scow brought the timber to Dunedin. The insufficient shelter, however, and the difficulty of getting in during all weathers, compelled the owners to clcse down. It is reported, however, that another attempt is to be made to restart the mill by a company with sufficient capital to give the venture more hope of success. In the Tautuku Valley there is a large area of very good timber —red-pine predominating — r and it is regrettable that some means of cheap transport cannot be found. In travelling south from Dunedin to Balclutha and thence by the Catlin's branch line, the first mill reached is that at Glenomaru, owned by Messrs. Greig and Co. This plant is driven by a 25-hcrse-power oil-engine. It was one of the first mills in the district, and has now been working for many years, consequently the surrounding area is nearly cut out. The Glenomaru Railway-station is convenient to the mill, and from thence the timber is sent to Dunedin. The next mill is that of Latta Bros., of Katea, three miles from Hunt's Road Railway-station. A wooden tramway has been laid from the mill to the railway-station; along this the timber is trollied from the bench to the truck, and thence supplied to various builders in Canterbury and Otago. The area of bush supplying the mill has been heavily timbered, and has produced first-class timber. Latta Bros.' Tahatika Mill is situated about four miles from Owaka Township, up the Owaka Valley. The output from this plant is carted by wagon and horses to Owaka Railway-station. The area of good bush was not sufficient to warrant the construction of a tramway; but the timber produced is of splendid quality/ Probably two years will see the bush area that supplies this mill also cut out. Within easy distance of the Catlin's Railway-station—the present termirus of the Catlin's branch —are situated Latta Bros.' third mill, Bates's, White's, and Dawson and McKechnie's mills. Latta Bros.' mill is driven by a 16-horse-power engine, and it is within 10 chains of the railwaystation, to which a wooden tramway has been laid. Dawson and McKechnie's mill is about three miles from the station, and their timber is carted to the railway by wagon and horses. This carting, sometimes in heavy loads, has the effect of destroying the roads in early winter, and causing a heavy expenditure in wear-and-tear. White's and Bates's mills are small plants working intermittently, and manned by the owners. Their output is necessarily small, and is disposed of in builders' lots. In the Lakes district there are two small plants. One at Wakatipu, owned by W. A. Grant, cuts principally red-birch with a small quantity of totara for local consumption. Ewing's mill at Makarora Valley, head of Lake Wanaka, is cutting in an area of 100 acres of Crown lands. Its output is used for local consumption in building and bridge-construction.

46

0.—4

Schedule of Sawmills.

ame of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting on Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees cut. • o g Cutting- £ g S capacity of Output per c>'a Mill Annum. W 8 " P er Annum. ™S Cuttingcapacity of Output per Mill Annum, per Annum. o ni Purposes for which Timber is uti'ised: £,§ >. (a) Locally, for Const'iicti<>n of Houses, or in conx a « nee ion with Kailway ana Road. Works; &£"§? (b) Sending to another Dit-trict; g 3 (c) For Exp rt outside the Colony. | l_ Sup. ft. Sup. ft. ! __ i__ Q„„ fa Q.ir, {(-. 1. Greig and Co. 2. Latta Bros... maru ika .. 's .. iapa iui .. Wakatipu rora.. Freehold and leasehold Freehold Leasehold Freehold Freehold and leasehold Crown Crown and freehold .. Red, black, and white pine .. Red, black, and white pine and totara .. Ditto .. .. Red, black, and white pine and beech .. Miro, red and white pine .. I Miro and red-pine .. Red, black, and white pine, miro, and totara .. Beech and totara .. Black and white pine, totara, and beech 25 1,000,000 ! 300.000 20 960,000 \ 800,000 16 750,000 , 500,000 16 750,000 j 500,000 8 ! 400,000 200,000 8 I 200,000 , 150,000 20 1,250,000 j 500,000 8 100,000 80,000 10 280,000 | 160,000 131 5,690,000 3,190,000 ... 25 ! 20 • Sup. ft. 1,000,000 960,000 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. 1,000,000 ! 300.000 960,000 ; 800,000 750,000 : 500,000 750,000 i 500,000 400,000 i 200,000 200,000 , 150,000 1,250,000 j 500,000 100,000 80,000 280,000 | 160,000 Sop. ft. 300.000 800,000 8 Principally sent to Dunedin builders. 18 Timber disposed of in builders' lots in Otago and Canterbury. 13 Ditto. 15 4 Worked by father and sons ; timber sold locally. 5 Timber disposed of to local buil -ers. 10 Timber chiefly dispostd of in builders' lots in Dunedin. 3 Locally—house-construction and roadwork. 6 Locally —houses, bridges, and mining. Glenomaru Katia A. 4. Tahatika .. Catlin's .. 16! 16 750,000 750,000 i 500,000 500,000 5. Bates and Sons 6. White and S >ns 7. Dawson andMcKechnie Houipapa Ratanui .. 8 8 i 20 | 400,000 i 200,000 1,250,000 ! 200,000 150,000 500,000 • 8. Kinlooh 9. E wing's Lake Wakatipu Makarora.. 8 10 100,000 280,000 | 80,000 160,000 -d 5,690,000 3,190,000 82 Totals 1

54

0,-4

SOUTHLAND. During 1906-7, seven sawmill areas were taken up in State forests, area 1,266 acres, producing 4,196,300 superficial feet, and furnishing an assessed royalty amounting to £952 13s. 6d. There were also six mill areas taken up on Crown forests, area 904 acres, producing 3,413,800 superficial feet, returning a royalty of £837 6s. 6d. The total assessed royalty of the year's transactions does not necessarily represent the amount of revenue received during the year, as will be seen further on, owing to one-half the royalty on an area being paid in cash, the balance or other half by an approved promissory note payable in six months, which may, and often does, fall due the following year. The royalty received from sawmill areas in State forests during the year was £1,174 os. 6d., to which has to be added a sum of £255 16s. 6d., royalty accruing from timber licenses, fines, penalties, and timber sold, thus making a total amount from this source of £1,429 17s. The amount received in royalty from mills in Crown forests amounted to £516 9s. 6d., to which has also to be added £495 15s. sd. royalty from licenses, fines, penalties, and timber disposed of by sale, thus making a total of £1,012 4s. lid. These two totals added together make the amount received from all sources £2,442 Is. lid., which is only £4 ss. sd. less than the revenue received last year. During the year fifty timber licenses were issued to settlers, splitters, and others engaged in bush work, authorising the right to cut fencing material, telegraph-poles, railway-sleepers, mining-props, draining-slabs, and firewood, &c, bringing in a revenue of £98 18s. 4d. ; besides, fifty-nine permits were issued to settlers under section 234 of " The Land Act, 1892," and section 58 of the State Forest Regula tions, enabling settlers to obtain timber exclusively for home use free of charge. Ranger Collins reports that there were fifty sawmills working most of the year full time, producing 38,087,000 superficial feet. Nine of these were operating in ordinary Crown forests, producing 6,157,000 superficial feet ; eighteen operating in State forests, producing 14,330,000 superficial feet; fifteen in private forests, producing 9,950,000 superficial feet; six operating in private and State forests, producing 6,750,000 superficial feet; one operating in private and Crown forests, producing 400,000 superficial feet; and one operating in private and Native forests, producing 500,000 superficial feet. Of the total production about 12,167,000 superficial feet are used locally, 25,875,000 superficial feet are sent northwards as far as Christchurch, and a very small quantity is exported. Of the timbers cut 60 per cent, represents rimu, 22 per cent, kahikatea, 3 per cent, matai, 10 per cent, miro, 2 per cent, totara, and 3 per cent, tawai. The mills manufacture 30 per cent., and supply factories in Invercargill, Gore, Dunedin, Oamaru, Waimate, Timaru, and Temuka, with an additional 15 per cent, clean timber for the same purpose. The total production differs little from that of last year. The local consumption decreased by about 1,000,000 superficial feet, whilst outside consumption increased by about the same quantity, probably caused through the greater demand in the Christchurch market owing to the Exhibition. At any rate, the demand for timber kept fairly regular, and the mills have all been quite busy, and are so at the present time, having employed some 831 persons during the year, with a pay-sheet representing £89,879. The area worked out or surrendered during the year was 1,383 acres. This does not mean that this area was cut out during the year, because three years are allowed by regulations to cut the first 200 acres and four years for each of the remaining 200 in the 600-acre attached reserve, thus allowing the miller fifteen years to cut out 800 acres, the maximum area allowed by regulations, unless under exceptional circumstances. In certain exceptional cases it is found necessary, or rather expedient, to allow a little departure from the regulations—for instance, when long and expensive tramways have to be constructed and other heavy initial expenditure incurred before a mill can start; but of course a limit must be placed on concessions, although the licensees may at times think differently. The schedules give detailed information in connection with the fifty sawmills working in this district, such as locality, whether cutting in State, Crown, private, or Native forests, horse-power, cutting-capacity, output, and wages, &c, and should be found very useful to the trade and general public. The marketable sawmilling timber yet remaining in this district is approximately 222,795,000 superficial feet for future use, in area 101,415 acres, which means a future revenue on the basis of the present royalties of something like £58,385, and a colonial asset amounting in round numbers to £1,448,167 10s., reckoned at 13s. per 100 superficial feet, which may be considered a fair value. It must be understood that these areas of milling bush and quantities of timber can only be approximately arrived at, it being more probable than otherwise that both areas and quantities are under rather than over estimated, and do not include any timber within the boundaries of the National Park. The recent bush fires unfortunately caused the destruction of five sawmills —three in Seaward Bush, one in Oteramika, Shag Bush, and the other in Hokonui Bush. This severe loss to the owners may cause a shrinkage in next year's output, unless it is made up by the very active operations of the Waikawa mills, now three in number, by and from which a considerable milling industry has revived within the last two years.

c.— i.

Schedule of Sawmills.

48

Name of Sawmill. Locality. Whether cutting oa Crown, Native, or European. Varieties of Timber-trees £ g.9 cut. o fe — 5*. Cuttingcapacity of Mill per Annum. Output per Annum. o 13 Purposes for which Timber is utilised: Si? >, (a) Locally, for Construction of Houses, or in cona? fl o nection with Kailway and Koad Works; CjSo. ib) Sending to another District; S g (c) For Export outside the Colony. Private Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto .. Actual. 10 Sup. fc. 750,000 Sup. ft. 500,000 14 (as) Nil, (b) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,000. (a) Nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,500. (a) Nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £350. (as) Nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,500. (as) 30 percent., (6) 70 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,850. (a) 20 per o-nt., (6) 80 percent., (c)nil. Wages pa d, £2,300. (a) 20 percent., (6) 80 percent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,300. (a) 90 i.er cant., (6) 10 percent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,000. (a) 12 per c-nt., (6) 88 per cent., (e) nil. Wages paid, £2,500. (a) 35 per cent., (6) 65 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £3,650. (a) 40 p-r cent., (6) 60 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,580. (a) 20 per cent., (6) 75 percent., (c) 5 per oent. Wages paid, £2,224. (a) 5 per cent., (6) 95 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,300. (a) 12 per cent., (6) 88 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,500. (a) 35 per cent., (6) 65 percent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,100. (a) 10 per cent., (6) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages p.id, £2,500. (as) 15 percent., (6) 85 percent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,000. (as) 20 percent., (6) 80 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,750. (a) 80 percent., (6) 20per cent.,(c) nil. Wages pnid, £1,500. (a) 40 per cent., (b) 60 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,500. (as) 25 per ce -t., (6) 75 percent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2.500. (as) 80 per cent., (b) 20 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £250. (as) 100 per cent., (b) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, £1.850. (as) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, £1.700. (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,700. 1. Waikawa (Currie) .. Waikawa 2. Niagara (Murdoch) .. I 25 1,500,000 1,100,000 20 3. Waikawa (Robinson) 8 500,000 200,000 9 4. Waikawa (Mofiett) .. I 25 1,500,000 1,000,000 20 6. Waituna (Guthrie Estate) 7. Orepuki (3), (Guthrie Es'ate) 8. Orepuki .(5), (Guthrie Estate) 9. Greeohi.ls (Guthrie Estate) 10. Gorge Road (Massey) Waituna.. 40 1,500,000 1,300,000 25 Orepuki .. State forest 40 1,500,000 1,000,000 20 Waimeamea 40 1,500,000 1,200,000 20 Greenhills Private and Native 30 1,000,000 500,000 15 Gorge Road State forest and private 65 3,000,000 1,200,000 20 11. Woodend (Massey) .. Woodend 100 3,000,000 1,700,000 30 12. Mabel (Massey) Mabel 60 2,600,000 1,400,000 21 13. Spar Bush (Massey).. Spar Bush 50 2,000,000 900,000 23 14. Colao (Massey) Colac State forest • 65 2,700,000 1,000,000 17 15. Buahine (Massey) .. Ruahine .. 36 1,200,000 650,000 9 16. Kapuka (McCallum and Co.) 17. Round Hill (McCallum and Co.) 19. Glenburn (MoCallum and Co.) 20. Fairfax (McCallum and Co.) 21. Edendale (Hensley).. Kapuka .. 30 1,000,000 650,000 21 Longwood 32 1,000,000 650,000 22 30 1,000,000 600,000 21 I 30 1,000,000 650,000 18 22. Waimatua (Timpany) Edendale.. Seaward Bush Private Crown lands Red and white pine and miro Red, white, and black pine, miro, and totara Ditto 20 i 30 900,000 1,000,000 700,000 900,000 12 23 23. Pahia (Timpany) .. Longwood State forest 30 1,500,000 800,000 19 24. Fail fax (Timpany) .. . 15 800,000 130,000 12 25. Tisburv (Broad, Small, and Co.) 26. Te Tei.nutu (Broad, Small, and Co.) 27. Millwood (Broad, Small, and Co.) Seaward Bush Crown lands 20 900,000 750,000 17 Longwood State forest and private 25 900,000 650,000 19 Seaward Bush Crown lands 25 1,200,000 1,000,000 22 I

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No. 21.1

A Rimu (Red-pine) in Longwood Forest, Southland.

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49

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28. Grove Bunh (Kilkell)) Grove Bush 29. Glen D.iu Company.. Hokonui .. 30. Waikaia (Hut ton Waikaia .. Bros.) 31. Hedgehope (Wallis).. Hedgehope 34. Otapiri (McKenzie) .. Hokonui .. 35. Lora (McKenzii) .. [ 36. Oreti (Moore) .. Oreti 37. Forest Hill (Youngl.. , Forest Hiil 38. Waicola (Hairing Longwood ton 's) 39. Otautau (Hensley) .. 40. Pourakino (2) .. .. 41. Pourakino (1), (More and Sons) 42. Pourakino (Traill .. 43. Oraki (Perry) 44. Waiau (Laurie) .. ; Waiau 45. Wakapatu (Perry) .. Longwood 46. . . ..| . 47. Pallia (Watson) .. Pahia 48. Orepuki (Mclntyre).. Longwood 49. Waihoaka (Austin) .. 50. Te Tua (HenBley) ... 51. Half-moon Bay (Mur- Stewart Island doch) 52. Kaipipi (Swain) 53. North Arm (Forde) .. 54. Glory (Mackie) Totals ..Private .. .. .. White and black pine, and 12 650,000 550,000 12 ] (a) 90 per cent.. (6) 10 per cent., (c) nil. Wages • totara P aia . £1,500. .. Crown lands .. .. Red, white, and black pine. 18 800,000! 750,000 14 (a) 90 per cent., (6) 10 per cent., (c) nil. Wages miro, totara, and birch I paid, £1,500. Red and white birch .. 8 500,000! 52,000 4 I (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, £200. .. Red, white, and black 30 1,000,000 600,000 22 ! (a) 20 per cent., (6) 80 per cent., (c) nil. Wages pine, miro, and totara paid, £2,300. State forest ..! Ditto .. .. .. 30 1,500,000; 550,000 17 (a) 35 per cent.. (6) 65 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,150. Crown land ' .. •• ..35 1,500,000 1,005,000 18 (a) 25 per cent., (6) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,200. Private White-pine .. .. 10, 800,000 350,000! 12 (as) 25 per cent., (b) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £475. . White and black pine .. 10 500,000 450,000 9 i (a) 60 per cent., (b) 40 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,200. .. State forest .. .. Red, white, and black pine, 30 1,500,000, 1.300,000 ' 23 j (a) 25 per cent., (o) 75 per cent., (c) nil. Wages miro, totara, and birch paid, £2,600. Ditto.. .. .. 20 900,000 800,000 15 I (a) 10 per cent., (6) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,950. 22 1,000,000 700,000 ) - 33 (a) 10 per cent., (6) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages .. ..30 1,500,000 1.000,000 ) paid, £4,000. .. .. ] 25 1,300,000 1.100,000: 22 (a) 15 per cent., (b) 85 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £2,600. ..! Red, white, and black pine. 30 1,000,000! 700,000 j 11 (a) 10 per cent., (b) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages miro, and totara paid, £1,350. ..i Private .. .. .. Red, white, and black pine. 10 500,000 300,000! 9 (a) 100 per cent., (6) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, miro, totara, and birch £1,100. .. Crown lands and private .. R"d and white pine, 30 1,200,000 400,000 12 (a) 10 per cent., (o) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages kamahi, and miro. paid, £600. .. Stateforest .. .. Red, white, and black pine, 35 1,500,000 850,000 15 (as) 10 per cent., (b) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages miro, and totara paid, £1,750. Private . .. Ditto.. .. 14 1,000,000 500,000 12 (a) 15 per cent., (6) 85 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,200. Private and State forest .. .. 30 1,500,000 900. 000 18 (a) 10 per cent., (6) 90 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,850. Private . .. .. ..14 1,000,000 800, (XX) 14 (as) 100 per cent., (b) nil, (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,800. .. Red and white pine and 20 900,000 700,000 14 (as) 40 per cent., (6) 60 per cent., (c) nil. Wages miro paid, £1,750. .. .. Red, white, and black pine, 20 1,200,000: 1,000,000 18 (as) 2 per cent., (6) 98 per cent,, (c) nil. Wages miro, and totara paid, £1,900. .. Ditto.. .. .. 12 800,000 500,000 14 (a) Nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,500. Crown land .. .. .. .. 16 800.000 600,000 14 (as) Nil, (6) 100 per cent., (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,500. 16 800,000 1 500. (XX) 10 (a) Nil, (6) 100 per cent, (c) nil. Wages paid, £1,000. 1,408 61,100,000 38,087,000 831 Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not aiven; printing, including blocks and maps (1,500 copies i, £101 '2s. 6d.

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Rimus (Red-pines) in Seaward Forest, Southland.

No. 22.]

No. 23.]

McCallum and Co.'s Mill at Colac, Southland.

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No. 24.]

Southland Pine Company's Mill at Woodend, Southland.

No. 25.]

Southland Pine Company's Mill at Gorge Road.

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