N.Z. TIMBER IGNORED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 141, 1 July 1937, Page 14

N.Z. TIMBER IGNORED

-Brecs Association.)

Australian Woods Used in Dominion Office GOOD PUBLICITY LOST

(By Iblegraph-

NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. "New Zealand is showing commendable enterprise in acquiring new offices for its trade and tourist bureau at Melbourne, but it seems a pity that ornamental Australian woods are being used, and a golden opportunity oi advertising the Dominion' s own fine woods has been lost," said a New Plymouth business man interested in the timber industry yesterday. lliough New Zealanders often did not realise the beauty of rimu, for example, possibly because it was common, overseas it was muchi admired by the few who knew jt. ' 'It seems strange that at the same time as Mr Nash is doing his best to expand New Zealand commerce his Government is prepared to sanction what amounts to a free and permanent exhibition of Australian timbers in an office operated to give publicity.to New Zealand trade and tourist attractions," commented another man, The new offices are to have display windows and showcdses veneered with Queensland maple. The fioor will be of jarrah and blackwood and Queensland maple will be used for the tittings. Following th*e timber man's complaint a reporter sought the opinions of an architect, who agreed that there was no reason why New Zealand woods should have been neglected. He was sure Australians would be impreBnei if rimu were used for the showcase and window veneers, especially if it were stained a dark, rich tone and French polished. In its own way it was quite as attractive as the maple, and would probably be the more pleasing at Melbourne because of its novelty. He could not see, however, why the frames had been veneered, because he thouglit solid rimu would be better. Jarrah centainly had its advantages for the floor, because of its natural colour, but mataj was highly thought of in England for this ' purpose, and again rimu would be suitable. Picked out with maire, either would make an excellent floor. Suitable pieces of tawa and miro would be excellent. Nothing better could be used for the fittings than grained rimu, some of which was remarkably beautiful. Wheu he wag told that the walls were to be painted he considered that panelling in New Zealand woods would be , more etfective.