TELEPHONE POLES AND SHIPPING.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 556, 10 August 1920, Page 2

TELEPHONE POLES AND SHIPPING.

Among the classes of materials for construction work, of which there is a great shortage in the Dominion, are those comprising telephone poles and bridge-building timbers, both of which being of Australian hardwoods. During the war the Go-

vernmenl went to the length of ordering a shipping company to bring over a cargo of poles under the War Regulations. It appears that telephone and telegraph poles are awkward cargo, and naturally the shipping companies prefer handjer and more payable freights. Being business organisations, they cannot be blamed for their preferences. But in view of the very large amount of timber required annually from Australia for public works, we think the Government should place the country in an independent position by securing an ocean-going vessel of moderate capacity, and with specially - constructed hatches, for the purpose of conveying timber and other essential goods. We are not enamoured with the policy of extending the activities of the State to embrace all departments of life, but special maladies need special remedies. It is stated on good authority that the Government is now using sap timber for telephone poles, which will last a few years only, while there are about 80,000 hardwood poles awaiting shipment from Australia. Under such conditions, which may continue indefinitely, there is strong argument in favour of at least one suitable vessel that can be relied upon as being at the disposal of the nation and not worked solely In private interests.