BLOW TO MILLERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 22 August 1928, Page 9

BLOW TO MILLERS.

TIMBER EXPORT EMBARGO. NO RESTRICTIONS NOW. IMPOSED WHEN PRICES WERE HIGH. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Several members complained in the House to-day, when the Forestry Department's report was under discussion, that the restriction of export on New Zealand timbers was a severe blow to the millers. Mr R. W. Smith (Waimarino) said that, even though the embargo was litted from time to time, the restrictions had had the effect of preventing Australian merchants from building up a permanent trade with New Zealand. This was much to be regretted.

Mr. Smith thanked the Minister for the generous treatment which had beeu meted out to him, as a result of his representations. The Minister had met aim very fairly, especially insofar as those concerneu with the raising of silver pine were interested. First, the Minister had reduced the royalties, and secondly, he had made arrangements that the State Departments buying the finished product for posts and other purposes should pay a higher price. The former price had been too low, by comparison with what was paid for other timbers. Thirdly, and most important, the Minister had arranged that the Post and Telegraph Department, instead of buying larger than twenty feet poles from abroad, should purchase requirements locally, where the product was to be had in silver pine. Mr. Smith said the trade appreciated this opportunity to compete on a fair basis with overseas merchant?.

The Leader of the Opposition thought it a pity that New Zealand's chance of building up a permanent overseas trade should be hindered by restrictions which were imposed from time to time. Years ago he had pointed out, at a time when restrictions were about to be imposed, in order to conserve timber for butterbox making, that it would be more beneficial to take steps to prevent wastage fire. While restrictions were being discussed, hundreds of acres of firstclass, timber were going up in smoke, for want of proper preventive measures. The Minister (Hon. 0. J. Hawken) 6aid there was no embargo now. Restrictions had been imposed when the price of timber became unduly high.