200 j. v. de coque. 



The Export of Timbers. 



This is a question of great importance to the Colony, inasmuch 

 as there is beyond any doubt a wide field in Europe and America 

 for the introduction of our timbers. Up to the present time 

 shipments of hardwood to Europe have resulted in financial loss. 

 The cause of this is easily accounted for ; the outside world is 

 ignorant of their value, and people are chary of using anything 

 they have no knowledge of. 



In my opinion before any success can be achieved, it will be 

 necessary for the Government to first publish the relative value 

 of our different timbers, their suitability for certain works, their 

 probable cost etc., together with all information and data available. 

 It is well known that neither Europe, America, or Canada, have 

 any timbers to approach ours for street blocking ; also that their 

 native woods have but a short life in public works in comparison 

 to ours. When a market is secured it will be necessary for the 

 State to see that only the specified timbers leave our shores, other- 

 wise inferior varieties will be shipped and failure will unquestion- 

 ably follow. This to my mind is the greatest element of danger 

 to the future of our timber industry, which properly controlled 

 and judicially advertised, should as far as an export trade is con- 

 cerned, prove a valuable source of revenue to our Colony. The 

 colony of New Zealand having few suitable hardwoods of their 

 own, annually purchase large quantities of ironbark from us. I 

 fear however, that notwithstanding the care they exercise in 

 having each shipment inspected, they are sometimes imposed upon 

 with inferior varieties. 



Ironbarks. i 



Red Ironbark — (Eucalyptus sideroxylon). 

 White Ironbark — ( E. paniculata). 

 Broad Leaved Ironbark — (E. siderophloia). 

 Narrow Leaved Ironbark — (E. crebra). 

 I do not purpose dealing to any great extent with the merits of 

 these grand species of Eucalyptus. The strength, durability and 



