Price of Timber

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 13

Price of Timber

Sir. —It is with pleasure that I notice the Government’s intention to limit the increase in the price of timber being charged by sawmillers owing to the new award. There is, no doubt, a small increase in price justifiable, but certainly not such as has been imposed by some of the Alain Trunk mills of 5/- per 100 feet. There is another side to the picture which requires looking into by the Government, and that is the price charged bv timber yards for many months past. Most of the yards have been getting very large shipments of cheaply-produced timber from the West Coast mills, and from the price originally purchased they must be making substantial profits. Surely if the sawmills are to be brought into line the yards should have to follow in their wake. The building trade at all times requires all the assistance possible, and it is unjust for those interested in the trade to take advantage of the present conditions that have arisen. I. hope the Government will look into the prices being charged as against the original cost of the timber. Everybody wants to sec house-building progress, and it is up to each one interested to make the business active for all concerned.— I am, etc.. SAWDUST. Wellington, May 24.