ABSTRACT
The skills of the 'timbermen' were strengthened over the years by migrants from other industries, such as ship building and mining, to the extent that a gang of such men, under the leadership of an experienced foreman, could be relied upon to carry out, successfully and safely, operations that today require much more analysis and very careful management. Material, especially timber, cannot be wasted, for both economic and environmental reasons, and skilled labour has become progressively scarcer and more expensive.
