NEW ZEALAND UMBER

Evening Star, Issue 20139, 2 April 1929, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND UMBER

GOVERNMENT'S POLICY In pursuance of the government’s decision that New Zealand timber is to be used wherever possible for all the requirements of Government _ Departments, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) stated last week that an instructional letter had been addressed to Ministers in charge of all Departments making clear the palmy to ho pursued The letter is as follows: “ You may be aware that during the past two years a special committee, comprising officers of Government departments and experts in the sawmillmg industry, has been making an economic investigation into the timber industry of the dominion. One of the first matters dealt with has been the preparation of a uniform system or grading and classification. The work undertaken by the committee was primarily intended to devise ways and means of creating a .much greater demand for and extended use of locallyproduced timbers by Government departments and generally, with a view to relieving the long existing depression and consequent unemployment in the industry. The committee has now_ reported the result of its deliberations to me, and I am glad to say that, so far as building timbers suitable for Government / requirements are concerned, the preparation of a uniform grading classification scheme has been completed. This scheme will he put into operation forthwith by sawmillers who have undertaken to supply departments with timber cut true to giade, sizes, and properly seasoned. “ The classification and grading rules are enclosed herewith. They _ have been closely revised by experts in all Government departments concerned, and have been unanimously recommended for adoption. The scheme closely follows the practice adopted m other countries (notably United States of America and Canada), which has been si successful in building up local and export markets. “ It is mv wish that wherever possible New Zealand timbers be given preference by Government departments for departmental requirements and lor use in buildings constructed under State loans, and that the new classes and grades be used in all future orders for supplies. I shall bo glad it you will instruct your department accordingly.” BY-LAW RELAXED.

in relaxing its by-laws relating to the i:,se of heart timber in outside work in bouse building, the Auckland City Council will substantially encourage the use of local woods so far as Auckland is concerned. Now 50 per cent, of the log can he used, as against 10 per cent, previously. The council recently had before it lb© report of the special timber committee comprising departmental officers and timber milling experts, which for two years has been investigating the possibility of using medium-grade New Zealand timbers. Hitherto the council’s limber by-laws rigidly compelled the use of heart wood only in outside work, and all efforts to have the law relaxed had failed. The Timber Committee reported that Hs early discussions with the sawmiilers showed their chief difficulty iu marketing timber was in getting sales for the whole of the product of the log, and unless more of the timber other than heart could be utilised for building purposes it would mean that heart would probably rise in price and the common grades of timber held would still be further added to. Hence it was decided to bring in a new grade which was defined as medium, containing not less than 50 per cent, of heart wood in any piece and not less than 25 per_ cent, of heart wood in any cross section.

The object of the committee was to define a grade of timber suitable for outside construction above the plinth in place of heart timbers. The experts connected with the State Forest Service and the Government architect were of opinion that this medium grade, if properly seasoned,_ primed, and painted, would give practically the same service as heart in most localities. On the recommendation of the "Works Committee the proposals were adopted, the council reaffirming its policy of using New Zealand timber wherever possible.

First Traveller; “Where are you goiiK r after Easter?” His Jncnd: “ Ob. I’m off to Africa for several months.” “Fine! Drop us a lion or two.”