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Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1941, Page 5

There is a very keen demand for pinus insignis timber, and the Selwyn Plantation Board would have no difficulty in selling a very much greater quantity than at present if supplies were available, stated the superintendent’s annual report, which was presented at a meeting of the board. Requirements for war purposes may make it necessary to overcut, for, apart from the plantations owned by the board, stands of mature timber are becoming scarce in Canterbury. Several million super feet are required by the Army authorities for containers, but because of the 40-hour week and the acute shortage of labour, it is impossible for the existing workers to step-up their production to meet the extra demand. A very much greater quantity of firewood would have been cut, also, if the labour had been available, and. at present, the demand far exceeds the supply. It has been decided by the board that no more pine shall be cut for firewood, and it is hoped that this will result in an increased sale of gum and wattle.