THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 256, 22 July 1908, Page 8

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

PUBLIC MEETING AT HOKITIKA. TELEGRAM FROM THE HON. J. A. MILLAR. . (DI TELEGRAm —PRESS, ASSOCIATION.) Hokitika, July .21. A large and enthusiastic public meeting was held he;-c tliis ovening, when a resolution was unanimously passed urging tho Government to tako immediate steps to protect tho sawmilling and timber industry of the Dominion by increasing tho duty on all American soft woods now being and about t-o be dumped wholesale in New Zealand, and that a representative from this district join, tho proposed deputation from the Sawmillers' Conference now being held in Wellington, to wait on tho Government with this end in view. Several speakers forcibly pointed out the diro effects the stopping of tho sawmilling industry would have .upon this district. During tho discussion the following important telegram from tho Hon.- J. A. Millar to the, County Chairman was read:—"Your telegram regarding timber duty to hand. Tho matter will receive consideration, but I do not look upon tho' question so seriously as you seem to think. To my certain knowledge largo orders havo been placed on tho West Coast for timbers beyond Now Zealand, and a price-list, which I have beforo mo of timbers 'in different centres, would go to show that the price at which Oregon is sold does not point to such a sweeping of tho ; market as you anticipate. Oregon is a timber suitable for a certain class of work, and at present bears a duty equivalent to 33 per cent, of what you state to bo tho selling price of your timber in New Zealand, which is a heavier rato' of duty than granted to any other industry." •. '