SOUTHLAND BEECH.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1924, Page 4

SOUTHLAND BEECH.

\V.\XTI:I> IN .A I'STIMLI A

INVERCARGILL, October 9

Visitors to New Zealand by the Mocruki include -Mr A. R. Do Messtirier of the (init of Gunncreseil, l.e Messnriet’ 1.1d.j of Port Adelaide. Dr f.e Messurier, in coliipaiiv with .Mr A. R. O’Neill, manager of tile Grey month branch of the firm has for the last few days ijoeii visiting Southland aiid making investigations regarding the prospects of Southland beech for export to South Australia. hi conversation with a reporter -Mr T.e Messurier said that he bad had an opportunity during the last few days of visiting the Southland IxS'di forests, and the area of t imher/availahle was amazing, hi Adelaide they had tlie largest motor body building firm iii the Commonwealth, with their two main factories situated in Adelaide and with branch factories at Melbourne, Sydney and lirisbane. A suitable timber was one of their ehiel requirements, and it has proved diiiiciilL to secure. Owing to the nature of the work entailed it was essential that the timber be both dense and light in weight, t'p to the present their timber stocks had chiefly been secured from the Philippine Islands and Tasmania, with lesser quantities from British Borneo. “I feel certain that Southland beech woqld prove a suitable timber in practically every respect,” said Mr he Messurier. “The Adelaide factories will this year consume approximately 2,000,000 feet of beech or other suitable timber, besides up to 750,000 feet of Tasmanian timber. 1 understand however, that the New Zealand Government control the export, and it is impossible to secure the necessary permission to export in large quantities. This is unfortunate, as many users of timber in Australia give preference to Australasian timbers, such preference being natural to foster and maintain our own industries and keep the finance within our own territories.

“From the information I have gathered (lining my few days’ visit to Invercargill and also to the beech districts and mills which I have 'seen, it would appear it is impossible for the domestic requirements to consume anything like 'the quantity of .Southland beech available, and this, in conjunction with the regulated and reduced expert- quantity allowed, makes if unfurl Oil. lie ami imoosMble that Hie peculiar deinaml which lias emanaled from the’recent establishment of large motor hoily factories in Australia cannot he catered for by beech. If normal export conditions were available this possible business to Adelaide alone would mean a considerable increase ill tlm. local saw-milling districts.”

.Mr l.e Messurier and .Mr O’Neill left for Christchurch by the first express to-day.