Sydney

Papuan Timber

Industry

Large Shipments To Sydney

AFTER years of frustration, official dis couragement and difficulties created by lack of labour and transport, Mr.

Tom Flower appears to have established successfully a saw-mill industry in Papua.

He went to New Guinea, on timber busi ness intent, some six or seven years ago, and started operations near Rabaul, and at Wide Bay; but Mr. Tojo of Tokio upset all his plans.

After the war, Mr. Flower made an early start in Papua; but, although the local and Australian demand for timber was great, he had to surmount many obstacles to get going.

However, some 200.000 feet of Ilimo—a light, soft timber suitable for joinery and house-finishing—have reached Sydney timber merchants lately in logs; another 100,000 are being loaded by the June- Julv “Montoro” and “Malaita”; and the Sydney merchants want another 2,000,000 feet, if they can get it. In addition, there is a strong local demand for sawn timber.

Ilimo grows in big trees, and is the wood usually used by the natives for making their canoes. Despite expert condem nation, Mr. Flower had faith in it and his confidence has been justified. He has one saw-mill in operation, about ten miles from Port Moresby, and another is now being erected. The logs are brought in 20 miles, by motor lorries. He hopes to begin shipping Walnut soon. Walnut occurs rarely, in comparison with Ilimo, but it is much more valuable.

Development of the Territories timber industry would have a useful economic effect, for two reasons. One is that the expensive Territories desperately need productive industries; and the other is the demand for backloading for ships.