RIMU FOR OAK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 218, 13 September 1940, Page 4

RIMU FOR OAK.

FURNITURE CHANGES. ACTIVITY IN AUCKLAND. Using larger quantities of New Zea-i land timber and aiming at simplicity in design to combat rising costs, furniture manufacturers in Auckland have experienced an unusually busy time during the past winter. Inquiries to-day revealed that some factories had been unable to cope with the rush of orders, and work was 'booked for two months ahead. "There has been no off season this year," was the comment of a manufacturer with many years' experience of conditions. He said there had been no falling off in consequence of the war, but on the contrary business had been particularly brisk. This had been most noticeable in August, and the improvement had been fully maintained since. "Easter is normally our busiest time," remarked the manager of another factory, "but this year activity seems to have been much steadier than usual. There has not been the falling off we expect in winter and early spring, and ns the new season is now beginning we should be assured of plenty of orders for some time to come." Japanese Oak Dear. One of the difficulties ex]>erienced, it was stated, was connected with the supply of Japanese oak. Fifteen months ago the price was ti|d a foot, and the trade was fairly well supplied, but to-day the price was 1/2J and deliveries were long delayed. While gome of the factories had reserve stocks on which to draw, it appeared doubtful whether these could be replenished under the changed conditions. One firm reported that an order for 20,000 feet, placed in June, 1938, under signed contracts, was completed only about a month ago and the average price of IOJd paid was 50 per cent higher than anticipated. In the circumstances, a greater demand for rimu, which is available at 41d to 3d a foot, has naturally resulted. Also arrangements have been made to secure a limited quantity of Tasmanian oak, but the qualities of this timber are not yet generally known. The price is more than twice that of rimu. "Unless the price of Japanese oak falls it is likely to lose much of the market," said one manufacturer. "Already it is being found cheaper to use Australian walnut for certain classes of furniture. Walnut was formerly prohibitive except for a limited demand." Demand for Rimu Increases, With the choice of timber being more restricted, there is a tendency, it was explained, for variations in the finish of furniture to be made as a means of satisfying thp public demand for variety. Instead of being finished in its natural colour, rimu is now' often stained as dark as. walnut, or given the appearance of oak. Considerable quantities of rimu plywood are being converted into table tops, the bottoms of drawer* and doors for tallboys, wardrobes and other articles. So far the supplies of rimu from the mills are adequate, but the increase in consumption, including the production of rimu ve/eer, which is now beginning, may require larger supplies. Kising costs are stated to be a problem, and to meet the position the amount of workmanship involved is being reduced to the minimum/ Designs «• being simplified, with flush finish, and a general absence of ledges arid ornamentation which add to the cost of manufacture. These changes are 'being welcomed by the public because of their advantage in assisting in overcoming the dust nuisance associated with shelves and mouldings. ■: iA