N.Z. TIMBER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4738, 15 August 1924, Page 1

N.Z. TIMBER.

USE BY POWER BOARD. RECOMMENDED BY DEPARTMENT. With reference to a recent visit made by representatives of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board to the Rotorua State Forest the Conservator of Forests, Mr H, A. Goudie, wrote the board regarding the possibility of growing suitable poles in the district. The letter stated : "It is definitely known that a nunr ber o p species of eucalypti grown in New Zealand produce timbers which compare favourably as regards their durability with imported timbers. Numerous instances could be quoted in support of this. I therefore recommend your board to consider the growing of eucalypti pol.es for future extension and renewals as a feasible and businesslike proposal.” Species recommended were: Eucalyptus paniculata (common ironbaik) and eucalyptus sider.ophoia (broadleafed ironbark). Most of the ironbark poles now imported from Australia were of the abovementioned species. Both required fairly warm conditions, and would probably succeed in the warmer parts of the board's district, say, between Te Aroha and Thames. Other varieties were: Eucalyptus hcmiphloia-Grey box (a hard, durable timber suitable for poles and like the required warm sites) ; eucalyptus engonioides (white stringy bark, commonly met in .Waikato, particularly round Cambridge, and would probably succeed in most parts of the board’s district, producing a fine, well proportioned, and durable pole, the durability being thoroughly demonstrated in many parts of the Waikato) ; < ucalyptus Muellariar.a (yellow, stringy bark, producing strong, durable poles, and would succeed in the same sites as the previously mentioned tspecies)-. Under the heading of “Growing of poles by farmers” the report continued : “The advantages of forming wood lots for the production of poles should be brought undei 1 the notice of all farmers throughout the board’s district, Co-operation in this direction will be mutually advantageous to the board and to the farmers. To the board, in that supplies of poles will be available close to where they are required, and to the farmer in that he is providing shelter for his home and stock, and at the same time producing a payable crop of timber for, poles and fuel. At a later date I will be pleased to visit your district and tender advice regarding the formation of plantations, suitable species, etc., and will be pleased to meet anyone interested. “A number of, poles of various species for experimental purposes are now being got in readiness and will be sent forward to your board for trial purposes. USE OF PRESERVATIVES. . "The experiment in the preservation o. fencing posts now under way at Rotorua, and which Was examined by the visiting members of your board, although still in .the early stage nevertheless ‘shows that the use of creosote in sapwood promised to* be well worth whilje in extending the life of the material. I am, therefore of opinion that your board should very seriously consider the use of such preservatives, of which there are several obtainable, and obtain definite information by experiment. It may be pointed but that the sapwood on a pole is as strong if not stronger than the heart wood; and it therefore follows that more efficient service would be obtained from poles if the sapwood could be treated to resist decay.” An enclosed circular stated that the State Forestry Department would give advice to private planters. It was decided to record the board's appreciation of the efforts of the Forestry Department to assist, and that a special vote of thanks be accorded Mr Goudie for his hospitality and helpful advice to the membens.