Book chronicles history of province�s export wood operations

Gerald Smith, acting Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the completion of the book titled Pitprops and Pulpwood - A History of Export Wood Operations in Newfoundland and Labrador 1898-1992. The author of the publication is Dr. John A. Munro, a former employee with the department�s Newfoundland Forest Service and a retired director general of the Canadian Forestry Service for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Export wood operations played an important role in the economic survival of many rural communities in the province for much of the 20^th century. Dr. Munro�s extensive knowledge of this province�s forest industry has enabled him to provide a detailed historical account of the export trade in pitprops and pulpwood," said Minister Smith. "This book clearly demonstrates the export trade of these commodities had a significant impact on the history of the forest industry and generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In addition, it provides a permanent record of these operations and will be a very useful historical tool."

Pitprops were pieces of round timber used primarily as support posts in mines. During the era in question, they were mainly exported from Newfoundland to Cardiff, Wales for use in the coal mines of the United Kingdom. Pulpwood was usually shipped as raw material for newsprint manufacture in mills in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Dr. Munro wrote and compiled information for the publication on behalf of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. The book will be placed in various public libraries around the province, as well at Memorial University�s Queen Elizabeth II Library. A limited number of books are also available for purchase by calling (709) 729-3649.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

Dr. John Munro, (709) 543-2204.

2002 01 09                        10:35 a.m.