THE TIMBER TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1922, Page 4

THE TIMBER TRADE.

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

DEPARTMENTAL FIG GRES.

Authoritative figures on the timber position of the Dominion are always interesting. A statement showing the actual output in superficial feet of timber from, New Zealand mills during iecent years has been compiled front figures supplied by the building trade afid the railway and public works departments. The output has been as follows: Sup. ft. Sup. ft. 1919. 1921. Kauri 21,835,023 19,698,184

'[linin' 111,318,579. 152,182,339 White Pine .. 63,136,665 79,612,233 Matai 11,930,040 22,776,834

Totara 13,387,038 17,810,668 Leech 4,466,116 7,707,651 Pino 1,501,274 6,844,8(58 Other 228,377 2,529,665

Totals 227,803,112 309,162.14,2 ; UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND. ! The report from which those figures are taken continues as follows.— “Tim output for the year ending MaYch 31st, 1921, is only 4.38 per cent, above that for 1920, compared with . tjm increase experienced from 1919 to V-J'-i of 30 per cent. During the first threequarters of the year—from April to December, 1920—the production was .heavy, but the January-Mavch, 1921, period showed a marked decrease. The unprecedented demand for timber which gradually arose during the la'tei pan of the war period called into being fifty new sawmills. Tin output in,m these was only just beginning to roach the market towards the latter part of the year under review, at which tune, unfortunately, the first effects of the present financial stringency were beginning to be felt in a marked decline in demand. A serums 'shortage »» oN classes of labour was experienced throughout the year—more particularly skilled labour. To meet the high cost of living iv substantial l * iiK*iC/VvO in wages was granted, ibis being reflected to some extent in the higher cost of production and the increased prices ol timber sanctioned by the Board of Trade. IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.. “A general revival of the building industry and the renewal ot mans constructional activities temporarily suspended during the war is responsible lev the heavy increase in the importation of all classes of timber. I tie apparent shortage <>f tiw.'.v'r supplies doling the mid-year period accounted in a large measure %for excessive importations of Oregon pine, and the bulk of these importations arrived during the last quarter of the year and added very considerably to the slackening; ,; i demand for local tun or. Prices in every case have advanced, the most noticeable being that of .uirr'.h, winen, based on figures obtained Irani the Comptroller of Customs, shows an increase of 9s per 100 sun. ft. over t|ie iiguyc for the year ending March 3.lst,

1920. "Much the .same conditions, as affected the timber trade, within New Zealand governed the export trade. Wc find on examination ol the export statistics a reflection of taese conditions, for the volume of shipments rose during the first nipe months and showed a marked decline in the lust quarter. Taking the year as a whole, however, the export trade can he considered to have been exceptionally good, and a survey of the statistics relating thereto may be of interest, The quantity allowed to be exported lias, of course, been under strict control, and totalled for the year ending March 34. at, 1921, 02,fi11,402 superficial feet. While exceeding the figure, tor the previous year, it is noticeable that this is almost entirely due to the heavy shipments of white pine to Australia. Ilium shows a slight increase and kauri a large decrease, over the figures for the year ending -March, 1920. The average export price for all timbers per 100 superficial feet, f.o.b. exporting port was 21s 7cl, compared with 18s and Mis 2d for the year ending -March 31st, 1920, and 1919,, respectively. (These figures are based on information furnished by the Comptroller of Customs.) MARKETS AND PRICES. “The demand for timber during the year was not reflected in prices, as would ordinarily be the case under usual trade conditions, for during tne whole period the prices have been subject to control by the Board of Trade, so that a review of prices, in relation to the year’s trade conditions is not called for. This, of course, refers only to tfade within New Zealand, lor it is quite well known that the prices secured for timber exported to Australia during the greater part, of the year were considerably higher than those permitted to be charged locally. “There was an increased demand for minor timbers, such as tawa, tn nek a ha, taraire, rewnrewa, mangeao, pukaten, rata, and pine. ••The specialised uses of many of t.ie minor timbers are now becoming more generally known. Already an increased demand is noticeable as a result of ti e Forest Service’s educational work amongst the wood-using industries. Particular attention has been paid to l,he value of our native timbers in the manufacture of carriage-parts, toolhandles, etc., arid such encouragement met with that the work will be carried on in a more extensive manner this coming year. The manufacture of such article as laths, shingles, clothes-pegs, tool-hau.dles, etc., which at present are imported into the Dominion, offers good opportunities for the establishment of ne\v industries,”