N.Z. PLYWOOD

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27395, 7 July 1954, Page 7

N.Z. PLYWOOD

Sir,—New Zealand plywood manufacturers, who have a highly protected monopoly, have now ceased making plywood in the economical sizes 6ft by 4ft and 7ft by 4ft, according to information given out at the local factory. Instead, consumers are going to be forced to cut to waste from large Bft by 4ft sheets. The combine manufacturing it already earmarks all its best grade 7ft by 3ft for its own uses, forcing competitive tenderers to use second grade—when they can get it —or cut to waste. This further instance of abuse shows that it is more than time the Government stopped protecting it and let the humble home-builder and voter get some service instead.—Yours, etc., ANTI-TRUST. June 28, 1954.

[“The manufacture of plywood has been always guided in respect to sizes by the recommendation of the market distributors,” said the general manager of Fletcher Industries (Mr B. Cooper, of Auckland) when this letter was referred to him. “We can assure you that considerable quantities of 6ft by 4ft and 7ft by 4ft sizes are being constantly produced in several thicknesses. The references to a combine retaining the best quality grade of 7ft by 3ft sizes is not understood, as this size is produced by four New Zealand factories. Therefore, if this size cannot be obtained from any one factory there are always sources of production which can be approached.”!