Log peeler 'useless' to thieves

Veteran Masterton saw doctor Ed Fawcett is pleading for the return of his unique log peeler worth $25,000, which would be worthless to anybody but a competitive woodchopper.

Mr Fawcett said the peeler was stolen from a storage yard in Judds Rd sometime overnight on Friday or early Saturday morning last week.

He believes the machine has been mistaken for a log splitter and he is afraid the thieves - once they discover their mistake - will disassemble or dump it.

The 2.5m-long machine stands about 1.7m high and is a rare and roadworthy mobile unit, complete with drawbar and brake lights, that has been freshly painted light grey.

A Volkswagen motor with vertical exhaust pipes powers the unit, which is distinctive also because of a pair of 70cm blades fitted on each side.

Mr Fawcett said the peeler weighed about a tonne and would need three to four people to spirit it away. The peeler is used to fashion competitive log rounds for junior woodchoppers in the region, including his grandson Quintin, 17, who will be returning for a second time to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show in September.

The competitive season kicks off in spring in New Zealand and his grandson has his first outing at the Wairarapa A & P Show at Clareville in October.

He trains three times a week ahead of contests, using about four practice logs at each session, which must all be peeled to size.

The theft has been reported to police but Mr Fawcett and his family hold little hope of its return. "We just want the peeler back. No questions asked.

"It's useless to anybody else and we've spent a fair bit on it and need it back. Especially for the young guys who are up-and-coming as competitive axemen," he said.

"We've got a few logs that can be used but I'm not sure what we'll do about more right now.

"I'll peel them by hand if I have to but what takes the peeler seconds, would take me up to 20 minutes a log."

Mr Fawcett, who is willing to retrieve the machine and end the matter, said anybody with information can call his business at 3773728.