THE SAWMILLING INDUSTRY. AMERICAN COMPETITION.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 59, 7 September 1905, Page 5

THE SAWMILLING INDUSTRY. AMERICAN COMPETITION.

[BT TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL, 6th September. The Arbitration Court is dealing with the biggest industrial dispute possible in this district, affecting the sawinilling industry. The workers seek an advance of wages. The employers say the conditions of trade have changed for tho worse during the past two years, and that the industry cannot stand a rise in wages. The demand for timber has fallen off somewhat, and bush on tho plains being nearly woVked out, the cost of working on foothills and gullies hes added 100 per cent, to the cost of getting timber. Employers aro now faced with the importation of Oregon pino of lengths up to 80ft* at a lower price, duty paid, than red pine in 20ft lengths can be bought for, while for 30ft red pine the price is still higher. Offers of cargoes have been received here from America at an all-round price that would permit of selling Oregon a shade cheaper than red pine, and without limit to length or breadth. The Southland Millers' Association is said to have been doing its best to keep out importations, but if outside speculators took up the trade the association would be powerless. It is asserted that the Southland mill and bush hands are better paid than in any other part of the world. The men urge that owing to wet weather they work only about twenty-two days per month, and that the cost of living has advanced greatly. Tho Court, nfler finishing evidence here, goes to Orepuki to continue the enquiry.