FOREIGN TIMBER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 45, 22 February 1929, Page 11

FOREIGN TIMBER.

IN NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS,

TIMBER MERCHANTS PROTEST

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, this day

Replvmg to recent criticism by the Otago Edueation Board on the non-de-liverv of timber required for school building-, a deputation from the Duiiedin Timber Merchants' Association told the hoard that its members had not been consulted, and that there were ample stocks available in Dunedin yaids. They protested against the of foreign timber by contractors when land grown timber was available. "YYe only want to put ourselves right," said Mr! \V. H. Brent, who headed the deputation. The association's representatives wish to discuss with the board a lecent report of discussion 011 the question of timber supplies for school buildings. In the report sawmillers and timber mei - chants were confused. Although closely allied there was a line of demarcation. The association wished it to be known that there was a plentiful supply of timber available. Merchants gave service by stocking and drying timber. A report had made that red pine for weatherboarding was not available. The merchants were grieved that "they had not been asked to supply it. Oregon had been used 011 that building. At that time sufficient supplies of heart timber were available in Dunedin yards for live or six schools. Yet 110 merchant knew that the board required it. As to delay at another school, merchants were not interviewed. The order had sent to a mill in Southland. He considered it was not patriotic that children should attend schools built of foreign timber and sit at desks constructed of foreign timber.