STOPPAGE AT OTIRA

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1920, Page 1

STOPPAGE AT OTIRA

CAUSED BY CEMENT SHORTAGE.

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec 11. Owing to tho cement shortage, work has ceased at Otira Tunnel.

MANUFACTURE OF NEWS PRINT. As a result of representations’ by the Auckland Forestry League, a Commission is to he appointed by the Government to enquire and report as to the manufacture of paper from wood pulp in New Zealand (states the Auckland “Herald). In a letter to the Mayor of Auckland, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon E. P. Lee) states that now the Parliamentary session is over, he proposes to go fully into the matter, with the Board of Trade, with a view to enquiry being made into paper manufacturing and other industries for which, from the efficient treatment of existing forest areas and their energetic extension, adequate supplies of raw material would be available. He adds that in view of tlie conditions existing as to price and scarcity of paper supplies, it is recognised that the enquiry gliould he urgent. During the war the National Efficiency Board made fairly comprehensive enquiries into the matter. As F result, enquiry had been made from abroad by interested parties in the South Island as .to the possibility of securing the necessary machinery for the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The Department was advised that the cost of machinery at present was prohibitive. Though enquiries were still" being made, it was not considered wise to start the industry at present, ir view of the heavy prime cost of establishing it. The Department, however, would continue its investigations, and the Minister hoped to be in a position to publish the result next session of Parliament.