EXPORT OF WHITE PINE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1921, Page 3

EXPORT OF WHITE PINE.

The demand for New Zealand white pine timber in Australia lias dropped very considerably during the last two or three months, (says the “New Zealand Herald,”) and, recently, one or two sailing vessels which usually cutrit this class of timber to Australia have been unable to obtain cargoes. At least two sailing ships have left for Australia in ballast, and another had only a part lead of timber. Discussing this matter, a business man with a knowledge of the trade said the ren "i for the slackening off of the Austial aii demand for white pine was strong competition, chiefly from America. Such American soft woods as Oregon and spruce were now being landed in Australia at practically pre-war prices, and white pine, at the prices now asked, could not meet this competition. The position seemed to he that the Nc*« Zealand exporters would have to Im* content with lower profits or work their forests more economically, the cost ol timber production in New Zealand, he believed, was higher than that of any other country. The only thing which would close the Australian market to white pine w;m too high a pi ice, because it was suitable for other purposes than butter-box-muking. It had been used largely for case-making, and also for the flooring and lining of houses, seeing that borer did not attack it in Australia. He certainly believed that the Australian market for white [tint* would continue provided the price was a par with that of other soft woods. Generally speaking, he added, the prices asked for New Zealand timber in Australia were higher than the local prices—no Government control operated outside the Dominion—and there was probably room for a reduction.