TIMBER PRODUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1920, Page 2

TIMBER PRODUCTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Re i(mi article by a Wellington builder in reference to shortage of timber, he states that in America the output per man weekly Is three thousand feet, whereas in New Zealand It was only 200 feet. The flgures are not correct. They should read "three thousand," and "two thousand " But I may state that the two thousand feet in New Zealand Is a better average than the American figures considering the • nature of the timber In the different countries. In America, two bushmeii will fell one tree and average three logs against New Zealand's two. Therefore you will see that tlie New Zealander does more work to procure his loss for the miU. Then, again they have more up-to-date appliances than they have here In New Zealand. Nearly all the big lumber mills are worked by electricity, especially in drawing timber to the brealtlng-down sheds, whereas in New Zealand they are' still using bullocks , and horses in most of the small mills, and steam haulers In the big mills. The output of New Zealand mills will compare favorably with any country. The real shortage of timber is only due to the "Timber Ring" that is operating in New Zealand at the present time.—l am, etc., OLD BUILDER. New Plymouth, July 17, 1920.