FURNITURE TIMBERS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1930, Page 6

FURNITURE TIMBERS

(N- Z. National Review.)

The prevailing fashion or craze for Oak furniture is probably the result of extravagance notions contracted in the post-war boom period when people thought that they must have “something different” from what ‘ satisfied a past generation; and extravagance notions n,re prone to persist Over long. However, in the case of Oak for furniture probably very few purchasers have realised that their preference lias been cast for a material distinctly inferior in most respects to many of the timbers produced in their Vdwri conn--try- . : ; ; V' ; ' £

Likewise few purehitSers of Oaks Turn-.; iture realise that what th»y fondly, imagine is the “good old English; Ofik”'. in actual fact comes from either Japan or United States and that, it is, very prone to borer ‘attack: latter fact is gradually becoming better known, and—thanks to the enterprise and craftsmanship of a number of furniture manufacturers of the Dominion avlio are turning out new and attractive styles and design s of furniture fashioned with our; native woods — there is discernible a definite tendency for the popular demand to turn once more to the truly New Zealand article.

Of our native woods, Kauri held pride of place for furniture making for many years in the earlier days,. but gradually—as Kauri became .more scarce and more expensive—Rimu usurped the position; and both are splendid furniture timbers. Rimu will probably remain the most widely used furniture timber, as it is in greatest supply in most of' our ramaitvng fo’e" + s. Also new shades of staining materials.have now been devoirped (which -do not obscure the beauty of natural figure in the wood) and greater s’- : H in design and treatment is being displayed by tile furniture craftsmen, extremely attractive articles are being produced which are stimulating popular demand for Rimu furniture.

Tll Silver Beech (generally miscalled “Birch”), however, New Zealand lias probably one of the best furniture timbers in the world, as the growing demand for this timber in Australia exemplifies. As it is in fairly ample supply (particularly in Southland), Silver Beecli (Tawhai-rnu-nui of the Maoris), with its many especially valuable qualities and beautiful texture and grain, is bound to maintain a high place in public favour as a furniture wood.

There is not the slightest need or lenson for a single foot of furniture timber to be imported into the Dominion , for there are numbers of other native species that are particularly suited -to this purpose.

Tawa in grain is very like oak, hut takes a better finish; and it is equal if not superior to Japanese or United States Oak in all essential qualities. Matai makes splendid furniture, though it has been very little used for this purpose. Tt hn, s a good figure, close grain, and is hal'd and takes an excellent finish.

Miro has much the same qualities as Matai, but has been neglected as a furniture wood, probably because it is a little harder to work and is possibly too plentiful and cheap. Other firstclass furniture timbers are Buka tea, Kohekohe, Silver Pine, Kaiawnka, Puriri, Rowarcwa, Ta.ra.ire and Maire; and when New Zealanders develop a real appreciation and knowledge of the products of their own country, all these woods (which are mostly still nerrlected and destroyed) will be in demand.