Jim Rogers loves native timbers.
Downed matai or totara logs can remain useful for decades, so farmers should take a good look at what previous generations have thrown down the bank at the back of the farm.
So says retired Ōtorohanga farmer Jim Rogers, who for many years operated a mobile sawmill processing salvage timber on properties around the district.
Jim, who is no longer involved in milling salvage logs, acknowledges “much of the good stuff” has already been claimed in his part of the world.
But further afield he’s not so sure.
“The King Country is a big place and much of it was covered in native forest. I think people should maybe take a closer look at some of those old logs on the back of their properties. Some folks have found real treasure that way.”
Jim was never a bigtime dealer in salvage timbers. But for more than 20 years, until he got rid of it a few years ago, his mobile sawmill supplied an absorbing weekend hobby.
“I’ve seen a lot of farms where the owner has discovered logs of matai, totara and rata. There’s always a market for good native timbers from furniture makers and various other artisans in the big cities.”
Jim has a warning, however.
“It’s essential to be diligent with the paperwork, because the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) keeps close tabs on what is salvaged.
“The regulators take a real interest in the salvage of native timbers these days. For example, if an old native log is over the fence on DOC land, you can’t touch it.”
Though no longer actively involved, Jim has set aside an impressive store of various native timbers, some of which he supplies to Ōtorohanga Kiwi House for various building projects.
“I just love the beauty of these timbers, which are now in such short supply.”
