Beech Milling Increasing

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31117, 21 July 1966, Page 11

Beech Milling Increasing

The milling of beech trees and processing of the timber is Increasing in the Nelson conservancy of the New Zealand Forest Service after a decline in interest in the timber. In the service’s journal, “Forestry News,” the senior ranger at Nelson (Mr A. T. Swale) says the cut this year is expected to be 2.5 m board feet, and about 3m board feet next year. With the new approach to beech timber and its specialised uses, Mr Swale feels there is a good future for the industry in both the home and Australian markets. Mr P. W. Maplesden, the Nelson conservator, says it has been difficult previously to sell red beech on appraisal because of concealed defects in the logs. However, as a flooring timber, it was considered second only to ma tai. “Correctly handled, beech timber has many other uses such as bridging and wharf decking, the making of brush and other handles, weatherboarding, bowls and other sports equipment. With modern drying techniques many problems should be reduced,” says Mr Maplesden.