The NCT Story

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THE SIXTIES • Wattle-bark quotas introduced

T he introduction in 1963 of wattle bark quotas highlighted the need to utilise the timber to greater advantage. NCT rose to the challenge and exported several shipments of Wattle timber to Italy during the following two years. The price paid was R6.00 per ton FOB Durban. This did not grow into any great venture and progress during the first two decades of NCT’s

1963 Controlled fire exercise

operations was modest. Several further investigations into the export market were made but proved uneconomical to expedite. In 1961 Mr Robbie Tosen was appointed as NCT’s first full-time Field Officer. Today the description of the post is Extension Forester. A further staff posting came in 1969 when Dr N D (Doug) Crowe was appointed as Manager. In 1969 the news was out that a new paper mill was being erected in Durban. The mill would be known as Mondi Paper Company Limited. Also about this time, two pack mills had been established by NCT at Kranskop and Dalton to market mining timber. On the strength of these additional emerging markets, the Co-operative embarked on a campaign to enrol additional members. Then a much more significant development was about to take place which would have far-reaching benefits for hardwood growers.

Mr HFC Küsel Chairman 1963 - 1970

1961 Brush clearing

The NCT Story

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