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Photo Journal|志記鎅木廠 百年之輪 (Find English version below)

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Updated: Apr 5, 2024

Photo/ Oiyan Chan

Text/ Wingchi Chan




一塊木頭斬開兩半可以看到年輪,從樹心到樹皮,一圈圈推算出樹木的年紀。


志記鎅木廠擺放了兩層高、近乎有千噸重的粗大的樹桿,最底層是來自沙巴的熱帶雨林木,中層有中電的「電燈杉」,最面則是來自美國或者加拿大的松木。不過這些擁有數十年、甚至幾百年歷練的木頭,將會連同志記鎅木廠清拆搬遷,成為東北都會發展計劃的一部分。


木廠四處都可以看到權哥製作的木雕或木工傢俱,好像給予這些木頭一個新靈魂,從一堆被棄置的廢木,成為修補舊屋或者廟宇的木材,讓木頭再擁有第二次生命:「這樣的電燈柱,可以做樹木兩倍生存空間。我們舉辦木工班,造木櫈仔木架,目的都是叫學員認識樹木的好處。多些灌輸樹木知識給他們。」


平日木廠只有權哥、他妹妹、和一個伙計處理這堆十幾米長大型木頭,他們身旁還有燒賣和刀仔兩隻小狗,牠們自在地出入工場,似乎仍然未知即將會失去家園。權哥的願望是木廠得以保留,讓更多人了解這堆擁有百年歷史木頭的好處。



見《JET》八月號


Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber --- The Last Growth Rings


A cross-section of a log reveals its annual rings, from the heartwood to the bark, allowing us to estimate the age of the tree.


Chi Kee Sawmill is home to towering logs, stacked two stories high and weighing close to a thousand tons. The bottom layer comprises tropical rainforest timber from Sabah, the middle layer consists of "utility poles," and the top layer is made up of pine from the United States or Canada. However, these logs, which have endured decades or even centuries, will soon be relocated along with Chi Kee Sawmill as part of the Northeast New Territories Development Plan.


Throughout the sawmill, one can find wooden sculptures and furniture crafted by the director Wong Hung-kuen, who breathes new life into these logs. What were once discarded as waste timber have become materials for repairing old houses or temples, granting the wood a second life: "These utility poles could double the lifespan of the trees. We organize carpentry classes to make wooden stools and shelves, with the aim of teaching participants about the benefits of trees. We want to instill in them a greater appreciation for trees."


On a typical day, the sawmill is managed by Kuen, his sister, and an assistant, who handle these massive logs that stretch over ten meters in length. They are accompanied by two small dogs, who roam the factory freely, seemingly unaware that they are about to lose their home. Kuen's wish is for the sawmill to be preserved, so that more people can learn about the value of these century-old logs.


Published on JET Aug,2022 Issue









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