N. Caledonian Timber
p. 24 · Read in the full issue
For Australia
WHEN he reported recently to the New Caledonian Council, M. Sarlin, local inspector of forests, revealed that an important Australian company is to work the Nepoui forests in the Chaine Centrale, The anticipated 20,000 cubic metres of timber cut this year would not be realised, however.
The Australians, he added, showed a great reluctance about working any tim bers save kauri and mountain pine.
Several other good Caledonian timbers were completely neglected by the Aus tralian market, and Australians were un willing to undertake the risk of exploit ing timber less well known.
So far they had suggested a price (1,325 francs per cubic metre) for kauri alone.
French Oceania exported 10,277 tons of phosphate and 5,952 tons of copra in the first six months of 1947. Figures for that period recently released show imports amounting to 189,000,000 francs and ex ports 142,000,000 francs. Copra produc tion has declined since 1946.