‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 43. PART II. (From 15th to 28th February 1918.)’ [‎89r] (182/442)

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Ihe sleeper and beam classes. The conditions of the supply of these scant-
lines and their rough external appearance on arrival are well-known, the
timber is the usual class of commercial Punjab timber and does not compare
with mill sawn timber from other localities. It is similar to that supplied
since the commencement of operations and has been supplied on the assump
tion that it was required solely for temporary works.
3. Dealing more specifically with the points under the 1st head ot com
plaint I am to say that the measurements make allowance for irregular edges
and rounded ends. While all planks sawn from river scantling have incipient
splits a plank or scantling is not rejected if otherwise sound, because ot a small
and marked split at one end. Most of this splitting is due to exposure at
Karachi and to ordinary transport injuries. The large percentage oi timber
requiring dressing is explained by the small proportion of machine sawn
lengths available. . .. ...
The hark complaint refers, with the exception of a very small quantity,
to chir scantlings of the same type as that purchased for military purposes
in the Punjab. The balance timber being all river-borne contains no bark.
And otherwise sound plank is not rejected because of its being an outside slab.
The timber is not unsound because it is discoloured and the proportion or sucii
outside planks would not exceed 20 per cent. . , _ , ,
d. As regards the 2nd head of complaint. The timber is drawn from stock
supplied under earlier contracts made in part before the Indian Munitions
Hoard came into being, and before any schedule had been fixed in respect ot
Basrah timber, and in consequence includes a large quantity of short l eil S tJ:ls -
Since the issue of the present Basrah schedule the new contract lengths haye,
with certain modifications, been fixed accordingly, and cause for repetition ot
this complaint will therefore disappear in time. ,
5. Although steps are being taken to improve the supply, as stated m tne
telegram (Dy. No, 9455) of the 4th February 1918, I would point out that
there is a certain accumulation of stocks at Karachi of timber similar to that
supplied to you previously, and although an endeavour will be made to sen
you in future only selected pieces, it is proposed, with your concurrence, to
continue to supply you with this timber until stocks are exhausted and a newer
&nd better stock automatically comes under supply.
6 As your complaint has been directed against old stock timber in the
Karachi dep6t, I would point out the following improvements made in current
supply
(a) longer lengths are being supplied ; #
(b) the timber is under exposure for a shorter period at Karachi;
(c) inspection and hammer marking of each piece;
(d) a small increase in machine sawn timber and a large increase m
the supply of chir sawn from log;
(e) the bundling of 3-4" and 1" planks before despatch from the Punjab.
7. With regard to outside lengths and square ends, I would explain that
in the case of the former, orders have been issued for the supply to you of
inside planks as far as possible, but it is not proposed to reject sound outside
timber altogether. Similarly, ends will be squared as far as practicable, hut
the alternative of allowing no compromise and compelling contractors to shoot
all 6 sides of a scantling before conversion so as to produce perfectly square
timber is considered a drastic and unnecessary step which would cause a 35
per cent, to 45 per cent, increase in rates and a reduction in the output of the
Punjab.
It would further seem probable that the retention of untrimmed ends “will
prove a safeguard against loss by damage in transit, and if that squaring he
done before despatch further squaring, with consequent extra loss, will in many
cases be necessary after arrival at destination. Eor this reason indiscriminate
squaring of ends will not be carried ont at this end unless you specially
desire it.
8. The timber will, of course, lack finish and ordinarily be suitable only
for temporary works. As indicating that such a line is not unreasonable, I
would point out that rejections by the Munitions Board on past and . current
contracts, which are by no means light are being absorbed in certain instances
by the Military Works Services in India on the construction of temporary
barracks.
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Becord copy to M. B.
Copy to M S. C , I). G. M. W., Q. M. G., G. S. (S. D. 1).