C—3a

Contact was made with Norges trelastforbund, which is the Sawmill Owners' Association. This association has 167 members, representing 55 per cent, to 60 per cent, of production. Total production was given as between 600,000,000 and 660,000,000, and it was estimated that between 25 per cent, and 30 per cent, was frame sawn, and the balance by circular methods. Ten mills of the larger type are using circular log edgers, and a considerable number of smaller-type mills are using table top bench with fence, followed by resaw. As in Sweden and Finland, there are literally thousands of very small farmers' mills which have no practical application to New Zealand. Among the mills visited are — Nosted Bruk C/S Drammen This plant was operating on logs of an average top diameter of 7 in. and average length 15 ft., cutting out the square of the small end as under :

All timber produced was square edged, free of wane, all wings or slabs were chipped for the wallboard mill. 75 h.p. motor. This mill is producing 500,000 ft. b.m. per month (48-hour-week basis). In connection with this plant was a planing department and wallboard-factory. Berger Langmoen, Brumunddal This mill comprised two breaking-down units and one subsidiary line. Logs were delivered to the mill deck in sling lots, very rough, crooked, or large logs being delivered to No. 2 line, unassorted as to size. Foreman .. .. .. .. 1 man. Log deck .. .. .. .. 2 men.

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