New Guinea’S
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
Timber
Australian Government’s Plans
THE Australian Government is seeking Forestry Officers, at about £9OO per annum, to train and control native staff in connection with the development of the timber resources of Papua and New Guinea.
The timber resources of the Territories are being examined—including some map ping from the air—and activities in connection therewith will be controlled by a special section of the Department of External Territories. There will be a
skilled Director at £1,200 per annum.
It is planned to introduce high-powered logging and sawmilling equipment. Ex perts are examining the timbers as to suitability for plywood and veneers.
There is no indication yet of whether actual development will be carried out by the Department or by private enterprise The Australian Government favours the latter method. There is a plan afoot un der which a company, jointly owned by Government and Bulolo Gold Dredging Ltd., will produce timber, plywood and veneer, in the Morobe district Forestry officials, after a recent survey said there were, in the Bulolo Valley’ about 200 million feet of hoop pine, klinki pine, cedar and secondary timbers It is proposed that local timber needs shall be met first, and that all surplus timber shall go to Australia.