NEW TIMBER MILL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1929, Page 7

NEW TIMBER MILL

SLOPES OF TONGARIRO. The progress of civilisation has gradually forced backward the outward fringe of native forest until, today in this country which was all bush or the coming of the pakeha, one has to go lar back to find the giant trees that delight the heart of the miller. The latest milt to be opened, says the viungnnui Chronicle, will break the virgin forest on the slopes of Tongariro mountain.

The awmillers of New Zealand have always hail a keen eye for fresh blocks or good milling tmber, espcwlly during the last few years, when supplies have visibly run low. Many of them have been attracted by the timber existing about the Lake Tau.no area, but there lias always been some obstacle in the way of of development. Either tlie land was under Government proclamation, the transport difficulties were too great, or else the bush was included in the vast area over which leases were acquired years ago by the iongariro Timber Company. One concern at least, operating from Tauinanimii, has overcome the intervening obstacles, and will shortly commence milling at Otakou, hallway between National Park railway station and Tokaanu. About half a mile beyond Otukou, a new road is practically completed, leading in toward Tongariro mountain. The bush to be milled lies on the slope of the mountain, and stretches, up from the tussock plains almost as high as the Ketetahi Springs, SCO acres in all. Provision lias been made for the Maori owners to share in any profits over and above reasonable fixed working expenses, and as many of them will no doubt obtain employment also, this winter should he easier in the kaingas than some recent ones have been.

The ci’fact that Tongariro is to be touched in any way at all shows a marked change in the mental attitude of the natives That mountain has always been sacred to local tribes, and was even considered as an ancestor of tne chiefs, according to Maori custom of emphasising its sanctity. It is not very likely that any serious upheaval will follow the proposed desecration, hut the milling will certainly not enhance the appearance of the area.

The same millers have also acquired rights over another smaller block, on the opposite side of the main road, in country falling toward the head waters of the Wanganui River. Te Porere Fort, hastily thrown up by the Haulm us, and the scene of Te Ivooti’s last 'definite Hr].■("( the pekeha forces, still stands on the edge of the hush a little north of this latter block.