TIMBER GRADING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 349, 9 May 1928, Page 13

TIMBER GRADING

NEW RULES DRAWN UP CONFERENCE TO BE HELD 1 ; a“. Prest Association. AVELLINGTiDN, To-day. A committee of experts, which was appointed in Apri, 1927, to draw up improved grading and classification rules for New Zealand timbers, has adopted important suggestions made by the Sawmiliers’ Executive, which will have the effect of virtually merging the present terms and practices of grading timber, which differ to some extent in each province, into a uniform system, with the minimum disturbances of the present practices. Before the proposed uniform system can be definitely adopted, however, it is the intention of the Timber Committee to consult immediately with the Timber Merchants’ Federation, and an opportunity will be given to all millers, the Institute of Architects, and the Master Builders’ Federation to make comment or constructive suggestions. These consultations will be arranged as quickly as possible, and it is the intention of the Timber Committee to recommend that the new grading and classification rules, when finally completed, shall be adopted universally by all Government departments, as a basis for the purchase of timber for the requirements of those departments, and as a basis for uniformity in timber specifications for all buildings constructed by loan moneys advanced by Government departments. This is calculated to bring about more quickly the complete adoption of the new rules, and it will be a big factor in bringing about a wider and more complete use. of New Zealand timbers in preference to imported species.

Sawmiliers consider that the inauguration of uniform and definite grading and classification rules is probably the biggest step that has yet been undertaken to place their industrv on a better footing, and lhat it is certain to lead to greater satisfaction to timber users generally, and to a proper appreciation of the real merits of New Zealand timbers for practically all purposes for which the wood is used. It si not anticipated that the new grading rules and collateral specific definitions of allowable defects in timber will be complete in all details, or acttially final when mooted, but care and the detailed work which has been put into their compilation ensures that nothing but minor or triing alteration will be necessary from time to time.