THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9409, 1 April 1909, Page 5

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Giving evidence before the Timber Commission, Mr MoOreadie, district railway engineer, said that creosoted New Zealand wood sleep-, ers last about 20 years, against 6 or 7 if uncreosoted. The price of creosoted sleepers here was 3s each, of which Is was for creosoting. The average post of jarrah sleepers landed hero was Bs 9d, The life of jarrah was about 40 years. The more hard wood sleepers were used the safer the tracks could be kept. Even on straight sections there was considerable trouble with soft wood sleepers on account of cutting in and the loosening of “dogs.” Totara was really the only suitable sleeper obtainable in Southland. Matai was undependable. Pnriri sleepers were quite equal to Australian,, and he would be very pleased to be able to get them. The new system of creosoting might result in a considerable saving. ;His figures did not allow for the duty on jarrah, because the Department paid no duty, neither had he allowed for the Government’s royalty on New Zealand wood.