FREDERICTON (CNB) – There will always be something from New Brunswick on the dinner table of the restored Bluenose II sailing vessel.

"The provincial government is pleased to have donated four pieces of lumber for use in the construction of the Bluenose's main mess hall table,'' said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. "Each piece is a species of wood with special significance to our province.''

The Lunenburg, N.S., company restoring the Bluenose II asked provinces and territories to contribute one or more pieces of wood for use in constructing the mess table.

"It is certainly a rare opportunity to be able to participate in a project such as this,'' said Northrup. "As a bonus, each piece of wood will carry the New Brunswick logo and be stamped 'Donated by the Province of New Brunswick.' This will result in positive exposure when visitors from around the world tour the Bluenose II.''

The wood species donated include an eight-foot or 2.4-metre piece of balsam fir, which is New Brunswick's provincial tree. The other pieces are Eastern white cedar, which is found mainly in New Brunswick and central Canada; tamarack/larch, which has historically been used in shipbuilding; and a section of sugar maple that contains bird's eye grain structure.

The pieces came from Ridge Cedar Ltd. of Keswick Ridge and Devon Lumber of Fredericton. Northrup thanked both companies for their co-operation.

The Bluenose II is a replica of the famous fishing schooner depicted on the Canadian dime. It is owned by the Province of Nova Scotia and is used to promote tourism and trade in the province. The two-year restoration project is scheduled for completion this year.


24-01-12