USE OF NEW ZEALAND TIMBER.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 44, 21 August 1924, Page 2

USE OF NEW ZEALAND TIMBER.

FOR POWER POLES. How Farmers Can Help. The Thames Valley Electric Power Board has for some time been interesting itself in the possibility of growing timber in New Zealand for use as electric powr epoles, and to further their investigation Mr. F. H. Claxton (chairman) and Mr. R. Sprague (manager) recently made a visit to the State Forests at Rotorua. In reporting upon the visit to Tuesday’s meeting of the board the manager stated: — • “ Two days were spent at Rotorua going into the matter, and a number of poles should arrive at a very early date now, which will be erected on Mr. Strange’s property and the board’s line.” With reference to this visit the conservator (Mr. H. A. Gouclie) wrote the board regarding the possibility of growing suitable poles in the district. FEASIBLE AND BUSINESSLIKE. The letter stated: “ It is definitely known that a number of 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 poles for future extension and renewals as a feasible and businesslike proposal.” SUGGESTED VARIETIES.

Species recommended were:— Eucalyptus paniculata (common ironbark) and eucalyptus siderophoia (broad leafed ironbark). Most of the ironbark poles now imported from Australia were of the above mentioned species. Both required fairly warm conditions and would probably succeed in the warmest parts of the board’s district, say, between Te Aroha and Thames. Other varieties were:— Eucalyptus hemiphloia—grey box—a hard durable timber suitable for poles, and, like the ironbarks, required warm sites. Eucalyptus eugonioides White stringy bark commonly met in Waikato, particularly round Cambridge, and would probably succeed in most parts of the board’s district. They produced a fine well proportioned and durable pole, the durability being thoroughly demonstrated in many parts of the Waikato. Eucalyptus muellariana Yellow stringy bark producing strong durable poles and would succeed in the same sites as the previously mentioned species. GROWING BY FARMERS. Under the heading of “ growing of poles by farmers,” the report continued :

“ The advantage of forming wood lots for the production of poles should be brought under 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, 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 for trial purposes by your board. USE OF PRESERVATIVES, i “ The experiment in the preservation of fencing posts now underway at Rotorua, which was examined by visiting members of your board, although still in the early stage, nevertheless shows that the use of creosote on sapwood promises to be well worth while 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 out 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 Forest Department would give advice to private planters. A motion thanking Mr. Goudie for the assistance to the board members was passed by the meeting. The chairman, in reference to the use of preservatives, questioned whether the cost of treatment compensated for the extra life of the pole.