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Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1921, Page 2

Amtoeos of the timber industry at large it has been something of a pleasant fiction that we in New Zealand, and on the West Coast in particular, occupied an impregnable position regarding the certain flourishing future of the great timber industry we are destined to enjoy. However, New Zealand is not the only country with vast timber resources. We are feeling the pinch by the surplus products now being rushed in from America. Tn regard to Sweden’s timber industry—of very ancient origin—there is great activity, and nearer home still, in the East Indies there ar 0 further particulars of vast timber resources being available. New Zealand should be seeking markets not restricting them, if it wishes the industry to flourish and capital to be rewarded for its enterprise. As indicating the i-ivnt we have, comparatively, so near at hand, the following is of interest: ■-Writing in a recent issue of Slay feds’ Monthly. Mr A. C. Shadier states that the timber resources of the great Hast India colonies tire so vast as to bewilder the timber seeker, not only vast in quantity, hut of such superior quality as to satisfy the most exacting consumer. So positive a statement of excellence, coming as it Moos from an authority on the subject, cannot hut act as a stimulant towards the gathering of further information on this little-known source of wealth. The principal forests exist In Borneo and Sumatra, in both of which islands there are incalculable millions of acres of virgin forest. The Government is encouraging the introduction of capital for opening up purposes, but exploitation operations have hitherto been impeded bv the absence of expert labour. Tn this respect the native is practically useless on account of his laziness and lack of stamina. Mr Shadier states that the timber world is ignorant of tb« wealth of hardwood existing in these islands. Those of Borneo and Sumatra possess merits which are of in-

calculable value. Their hardness, breaking strain and elasticity, and above all, their difficulty to burn, make them the woods which the world’s engineers and builders are seeking. The most sought after of the hardwoods is known as the Yzerhout (Iron wood) or Gillian, the density and breaking strain of which is twice that of the famous Australian ironbark, which is in turn, three times the strength of Rritish oak. It is believed that from a utility standpoint Java possesses in its Rillian timber th t > most valuable of its kind in the world, as it has eclipsed from every test all other kinds of hardwood. There are also in abundance some fifty other kinds, all of inestimable value for buildings, bridge construction, railway wagons, mining etc. Teak, the native local name lor which is Djati, grows extensively in Java and lforneo. As this wood is immune from the destructive white ant nearly all the locallymade furniture is of Java teak. Rut this enhanced value has given it such a price as to put the export to Europe teak trade out of the question. The very ably conducted Netherlands India Forest Department is devoting its attention closely to the practical side «f the industry., and in the near future it may be expected that the department will issue a classification of the various timbers so as to lend a needed piloting hand to the consumer. With the introduction of modern methods it is confidently believed that these colonies will be able to keep up a supply of the finest timbers at the rate of thousands of tons daily for many generations to come.

Th e mail coach from Waiho will noi reach Ross till this afternoon- it was delayed by floods on the way down. The Cinderella Committee has muM pleasure in being able to announce that its postponed dance will he hoid ;n the Town Hall this (Monday) evening.— Advt. A long night dance in aid fu n ds of the Ross Football Club will be held in the Totara Hall, Ross on Wednesday evening next. The programme for the Caledonian Society’s concert in the ’•own Hall on Wednesday evening appears in Ih'.s issue. The proceeds are to be handed to the Hokitika Beautifying Association.

During the present week, the collections in the town for the School War Memorial will bo completed, and > o Friday afternoon next the foundation of the memorial will be laid in t> c school grounds at an interesting ceremony to he conducted by the masonic fraternity.

The Excelsior Football Club dance takes place in the Supreme Hall on Thursday, June 2nd. Excellent arrangements are being mado to make the dance one of the most enjoyable yet held The music for the dance is in the capable hands of Messrs lawn an\l Ross, while a strong ladies committee is being set up to enter for the huge crowd expected. The charge for admission will lie: Gents 2s. ladies Is. —Advt.

We regret to record the death of Mr David Adam, which took place yesterday at Gisborne. Deceased was for •nunc years a resident of Hokitika, being engaged at .Messrs Davidson Bros, foundry. He left for the North Island some twelve years ago. A widow and four daughters (Mrs Lamberton of Blackball, Mrs (’. Howard of Wanganui, Mrs S. Westbrook of Nelson, and Mrs C. Gibbons of Hokitika) and two Sons (Arthur of Wellington and David of Wanganui) are left to mourn their loss Deceased was 71 years of age.

Til# Kanieri bridge on the main road to Boss is now closed to all vehicle traffic and the prohibition is causing great inconvenience to traffic and supplies. There is a good/deal of community of interest between Rimu and Kanieri; each centre drawing supplies one from the other, and the blocking of traffic is now a serious inconvenience. Also traffic to and from the south, is being dislocated, and generally tlicrfe is a considerable amount of public comment adverse to the action in closing the bridge. Mr E. A Wells, M.C.C. lias made strong representations to the authorities on the matter, and at his request the County Chairman (Mr Ward) has again wired Mr Seddon, urging speedy attention on the part of the Public Works Department to the re-opening of the bridge. Mr Wells has asked also for the repairing of Arthurstown road to carry the increasing volume of traffic, and this is to he attended to.

Mr pilkington gave notice to move nt the next meeting of the Borough Council—“ That for the guidance of thCouncil and in order to formulate a scheme of permanent works and the necessary finance for same, the Won** Committee be requested in conference with tli Council Foreman, to subinn at the earliest date, a report on each of the streets of the Borough in detail: —(a) With regard to the .ihprovemei < „f the streets; (b) With regard to footpaths; (e) With regard to drainage to deal with surface, storm and roof wat.v Such report 'to contain 5 n respect ot each street an indication of present condition, the extent to which permnner. work should be carried out, and an a,, proximate estimate of the cost of such work ; so that any loan money be apportioned and car-marked accordingly. The foundation stone for the School War Memorial is to be laid at the site chosen within the Hokitika School grounds on Friday afternoon next (King’s Birthday) at 2 o’clock. The dav of course will he observed as a public’ holiday The foundation ceremony will fie an interesting one. It is to he carried out by the masonic brotherhood, the members of which fiom a pnrts of the Coast, will attend m force. A procession of upwards of three hundred Masons is expected to form and will march via Revell, Stafford, Hall and Hampden streets to the school grounds. The ceremony will include the sprinkling of corn, wine and oil, according to solemn and ancient custom, and the service will be of interest to the school pupils who will he assembled in form, and no doubt to the public who will he attending also in large numbers. On the civil side, those present will include the Hon. Minister of Mines, Mr Seddon M.l\ representatives of the Canterbury Education Board and the heads of local bodie including the Mayor of Hokitika, and the County Chairman of Westland, both of whom it is interesting to note are ex-scholars of the local state school. The visiting members of the masonic fraternity from the north will travel by an excursion train leaving Grevmouth about 11 a.m. on Friday next. For the convenience of southern visitors the departure of the train to Ross will be delayed an hour or so. At a meeting of ladies and teachers last wed committee was formed to provide afternoon tea for the visitors and this will l,c dispensed at the •Technical school rooms after the ceremony. Collections for the School War Memorial are now ■being taken up, and funds are coming in very satisfactorily. An appeal is being made to ex-scholars in all parts of the Dominion, as far as their addresses can he as curtained.

For Bronchial Coughs, take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure

The welcome slump in price has come at last. So while it lasts you will always find our price the lowest. Thou sands of pounds worth are being sacrificed by us, to make room for thousands more bargains already secured from the worlds markets. Visit Schroder and Co. Tt will pay you.—Advt.

Public speakers, reciters, singers 1 Use “ NAZOL ” to prevent or relieve Imskiness, soreness and irritation of the throat. 'Ready for instant use anywhere.

The far larger air space provided in Clincher Cycle Tyres lengthens the life of the tyre, reduces road shocks, lessens the puncture risk, adds to your comfort. All cycle dealers. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS has ino eff'’vf c;i the whole system-

The Wakaiti sails for Bruce Bay, Paringa and Okuru at 5 o’clock to-morrow afternoon. t Messrs M. Houston and Co. notify they have applied for a broker’s license in connection with the sale of opossums skins. | Mr D. Sponce of Rimu draws atteri- j tion to outstanding accounts request- ; ing payment before 7th Julie, after which date legal proceedings will be : taken. j Further slump goods arrive, and in ‘ addition our largo stocks have been marked down to the slump market level. To buy elsewhere now is simply throwing good money away. The low prices defy competition. A great and constant rush has set in and the wonderful bargains will soon be exhausted. Come along early for your share. McGruer and Co., Hokitika and Greymouth.—Advt.

The sensation of the season; great fall in Home prices. Schroder’s ready money having secured enormous concessions, arc now able to place thousands of pounds worth of bargains at lower price than ally other Ann. Inspection invited. Schroder and Co. Advt.

It is better than the circus watching the dirt, grease and paint fly from mechanics’ overalls when “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help gets to work. John Parkhill, agent for “NO RUBBING.”

Hor 1 iillaeii/.a, take Woods’ Gieat Peppermint Jie Just landed 200 cases (each 401b5.) choice apples consisting of Adams, Pearmains, Stunners, Rifimcrs, Jonathans, Washington? etc., from 7/6 to 9/6. According to varieties.—Paterson Michel and- Co., Ltd., „Phone No S.-Advt. No more grinding of teeth with WADE’S WORM FIGS.