FIREWOOD SUPPLIES.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 354, 8 February 1937, Page 4

FIREWOOD SUPPLIES.

WINTER PROSPECTS. Plenty Available But Price Will Be Dearer. Predictions by farmers and others that firewod supplies would be scarce during the coming winter are not supported by a local dealer in conversation with the Central Press. He stated, hokever, that in probability prices would be higher. He stressed the fact that the matter was not so important as in former years, as with proper grates coal could be conveniently and cheaply used for wash coppers and indoor open fires. A faimer who was approached states that he has an almost, unlimited supply of wood and could get out thousands of cords only for the tact,that labour was too expensive. It could be got out only at a certain time of the year ,and then he was too - busy haymaking and attending to other seasonal work Io personally undertake the job. Apparently that is the difficulty confronting many farmers, for although a great portion of the land in the district has been cleared, it is learned that supplies are not nearly depleted. In the area known as the Ngaere swamp there is an inexhaustible source of firewood, comprising silver 4>ine, matai and manuka trees. From this buried forest trees are continually coming to the surface. In other districts where rata was once plentiful it has been found that the dead trees on the ground have decayed to such an extent that the quality is unsatisfactory. In some areas, too, wood can now only be secured by going across creeks and the building of a bridge was considered to be too laborious. Increased Costs. The people of Stratford, the dealer stated, had long been fortunate in being able to get wood at prices which were very cheap as compared with those paid at Hawera and other towns. Now higher wages had to be paid and costs all round had increased. In any case there would be no shortage of fuel, as coal and carbonettes could be substituted for wood, either for washing purposes or in household fires, provided, suitable grates were used. All his wood was obtained in the district, and he anticipated being able to obtain supplies, which, however, would probably be at a higher price to the user. Scientific Investigation. It was pointed out by the dealer that scientific investigation had revealed that one ton of coal reckoned in terms of British thermal units was equivalent to two cords of wood. The experts said that all dry wood had the same heating value according to weight. For example, 2i cords of pine would be equivalent to about one cord of niaire.