Bushmen cheaper than machines

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 364, 27 November 1990, Page 1

Bushmen cheaper than machines

The move to mechanisation looks set to take a step backwards at Karioi Forest following failed negotiations with a tree felling contractor. The contract with the Clarkin mechanical felling gang ends this month because the contractor and Winstones could not agree on a contract price. Forest manager Terry Tapp said the mechanical felling operation had been dearer than conventional, manual felling and that his company had asked the contractor to drop his price or to switch to conventional felling but that he would not.

He said he would now be looking for another felling contractor to take on the work, as well as a new gang to handle extra production. Mr Tapp said the mechanical gang was working in the yellow contorta blocks in the forest. He said he believed the cost problems were due to the age of the machinery. One of the Clarkin gang told the Bulletin most of the operators affected were not too concerned at the decision. He said some would be willing to switch from machine operating to using a chainsaw "if they had to".