“Nelson Could Supply Timber For Decking"

Press, Volume C, Issue 29506, 6 May 1961, Page 12

“Nelson Could Supply Timber For Decking"

Nelson timber merchants could supply the timber needed for parking area decking at Lyttelton, the president of the Nelson Timber Merchants’ Association (Mr L. E H. Baigent) said yesterday in a statement to “The Press.” He was commenting on a report to the Lyttelton Harbour Board by its engineer-in-chief (Mr J. A. Cashin) Mr Cashin. had said that, as there would not be enough treated Pinus radiata available to finish the decking, hardwood timber would have to be imported from Australia. When Mr Baigent’s statement was referred to Mr Cashin yesterday. Mr Cashin said that, although the order for the hardwood had not yet been placed, it was not possible for the Nelson merchants to prepare Pmus radiata timber sufficient .to complete the iob in the time available Mr Baigent’s Statement Mr Cashin had told his board that it seemed that the quantities of pinus needed for the decking could not be cut in the South Island to the specifications required, said Mr Baigent “This statement is definitely incorrect. The Nelson timber merchants, who have not so far been approached, have recently supplied to the Nelson Harbour Board approximately 250.000 feet super of Pinus radiata sawn timber of suitable quality for wharf work, seasoned and pressure-treated for use on the Nelson new wharf (McGlashen quay), and it has proved in every way satisfactory. “Nelson merchants would gladly supply, delivered to Lyttelton. Pinus radiata sawn timber of suitable quality and quantity, pres-sure-treated with groundstrength of preservative, if they are given the opportunity to do so. “A message to my association would receive prompt attention ”

There would be no material delay in supplying the necessary timber, as plenty of suitable timber was available. Mr Baigent added "Could Have Tendered" Mr Cashin said the Nelson merchants had had the opportunity to tender, the same as everyone else, when the board called for tenders. That had been more than a year ago. The call for tenders had been advertised in the Christchurch newspapers, and if the Nelson merchants wanted business in this district they should read the papers published here. "Mr Baigent complains that his association was not asked if it had the timber available.” Mr Cashln said. “But local bodies do not go round asking private firms and associations if they have goods to supply The normal way to find out is to advertise. which is what we did. “The successful tenderers, two Canterbury firms, thought they could supply all the timber we needed; but now. with a quarter of the job left to do, they have run out of resources and have found they cannot complete their contracts." he said. “A year ago. we wanted to find out what sources were available and test them for suitability The year has gone, and we haven’t the time to go through it all again nowr Moreover, the decking job has to be completed In two months. The Nelson people can't possibly cut and prepare all the timber we need in such a short time” When Mr Cashin's reply was referred back to Mr Baigent. Mr Baigent said that apparently none of his association’s members had seen the advertisements. He was sure, however, that the Nelson merchants could still supply the harbour board's needs.