WHITE PINE.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20333, 4 September 1931, Page 17

WHITE PINE.

CHARGE OF DUMPING IN AUSTRALIA. SAWMILLERS' ACTION. Newspaper propaganda against the use of New Zealand white pine in Australia, in which the Council of the Canterbury Chamber ot Commerce has interested itself, was answered m a letter from the secretary of the Dominion Federated Sawmillers' Association (Mr Arthur Seed) brought before the Council last evening. Mr .Seed enclosed a letter written in reply to an article headed, "Sydney Dumping-ground for New Zealand Danger-Timber," which appeared recently in the Sydney "Sunday Guardian." This article alleged that New Zealand white .pine was oeing dumped auto Australia; that it was peculiarly susceptible to attack by the borer; and that Sydney alone lost two million pounds a year through damage to property arising from use of the white fine. Cheapness of Rimu. .Mr Seed had pointed. out the absurdity of these charges, for the following reasons:— (I)' Since New Zealand fed pine can be landed in Australia more cheaply than whit? pine, andwwats t superior for building purposes, it was inconceivable that white pin© would bo used to any extent for building. (2) The losses alleged by the use of white pine exceeded the total value of white pine exported during 1930 by tcu timois. For Batter Boxes. (3) Now Zealand white, pine was exported to Australia for tne manufacture of butter and similar boxes, and some quantities were probably used for fittings and a cheaper grade of furniture. ; Similar information has been forwarded by Mr Seed to tho New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Australia (Mr L. J. Schmitt)._ Since the white pine industry is one that closely affects Canterbury through the West Coast, the Chamber has advised the Dominion Federated Sawmillers' As6oicntion of its support should any further action be necessary. "Ridiculous Reports." Mr T, N. Gibbs said that the published reports were ridiculous. They were apparently part of a scheme to spoil trade relations between Australia and New Zealand. He suggested that they should advise the Sydney Chamber of. their concern at'such untrue criticism. No further action was taken.