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Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1926, Page 2

According to a careful classification of the timber laws there are over two million acres of forest land in "Westland at present-. The greatest proportion of this vast area is crown holding, either as crown lands or state forests. Eliminating the timber bearing lands in the high century whore it is stored in safety because of its inaccessibility, and the bush country on the lower slopes of the hillside where tl‘i3 timber has a .national value in governing climatic conditions, -there remain the lowlands covered with dense forests, and these have an area estimated at three-quarters of a million acres. These tracts of country contain native timbers of great variety and value all of which are usable for commercial purposes. It will he seen that Westland has a great asset in this store of natural wealth, and it is obvious for a long period to come the district must he drawn upon as the natural source for timber supply. The industry of sawmilling will thus continue to flourish over a long period of time. It was mentioned above that there are some 85 sawmills in the district, but it is said they work to little more than half capacity. Their product equals about sixty per cent, of what they are capable of milling. Westland could therefore add fullv fifty million to its output, given the . ready markets for sale. So great an increase would mean a considerable advance in prosperity, and would give the industry a fillip much needed. Sawmilling nowadays calls for considerable eanital investment to ensure stability. Mills are set down usually as near tb? railway as possible, for tire bulk of all cutting must go to export, the local trade being inadequate. Jjong lengths of costly tramway have to be constructed to the bush lands, and the expenditure involved with ordinary overhead costs, takes some financial. The tramways put in are in the nature of light railways, and are well laid both in respcct to permanent- way and in the stability el bridges. As it is recognised Westland is the staple- source of supply, enterprise is encouraged to build for the future, but it is only such courageous enterprise which renders the industry possible and helps to assure permanent prosperity to tine place. The sawmiller, therefore, is worthy of all possible consideration to ensure the maintenance of the industry at its fullest capacity. He has not received that help always, hut it is manifest that it is a branch of induswill pay the country to encourage sympathetically, for timber is an essential commodity which cannot be done without and Westland has special facilities to fill all requirements under reasonable encouragement to the miller.