Mast Master ! . Hews 65 feet wooden masts from rough timber at London yards . Mr Alf Webb , who has been at the work practically all his life , is hacking two 60 feet wooden masts from huge rough wooden blocks stretching the whole length of a big yard in the West Indian Dck Road . His only tool is an axe with which he hews the 14 inch square timber into shape . When completed the masts will be erected in front of the offices of the Imperial Chemical Industries huge building at Billingham Industries huge building at Billingham , Stockton , and will each carry a 16 foot flag . Although the making of wooden flag masts is a fast dying industry those of exceptional size are still hewn from wood . Photo shows , Mr Alf Webb sharpening his axe during work on one of the 65 feet wooden masts at the West India Road yard . 11 March 1936