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Story: Logging native forests

Using timber jacks

Image
Using timber jacks

Four men use timber jacks to shift a huge log. The timber jack was a New Zealand adaptation of the screw jack, and was widely used in the bush when other methods of moving logs were unavailable. The jack had a spear-shaped bar fitted into a stock, which contained a ratchet operated by a system of cogs. Turning a handle moved the bar up or down. One end of the jack was held on the ground, while the spear end of the bar was fitted under the log. The handle was then turned clockwise to move the bar up and roll the log sideways.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)

Reference: 1/1-011186; G

by Arthur James Northwood

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Logging native forests – Logging and sawmilling, 1840–1920, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12747/using-timber-jacks (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

Mal McCavana
25 July 2024
Where is the list of Owners, Locations that should go with the index numbers on the location Maps. Looking particularly for 'Funnell's Mill" in the Rangitikei district, North Island. ?Apiti? Thankyou, Mal McCavana