TIMBER COMMISSION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 99, 28 April 1909, Page 10

TIMBER COMMISSION.

SITTINGS AT TAIHAPE. [BT TELBGBAFH— rBESS ASSOCIATION.] TAIHAPE, 27th April. The Timber Commission arrived last night, and opened its sittings this morning. Evidence was given by the inanagen of fowell Process, Ltd., as to utilising soft timber, enabling nearly all bush to be utilised, especially white pine and kauri. The process would effect a great saving in railway sleepers. Witness considered millers ; were charging a fair price for timber, also that the association was not penalising the public. Mr. Punch, a sawmiller of licietihi, who supplied the local trade, said he considered the millers had a grievance against the Government over railway freight. He advocated a branch line f rom • Ohakune to Raetihi. The importation of Oregon timber had helped to depress the industry. If the present state of affairs continued the industry would be paralysed. The cost of production increased as the bush got further back. • Mr. Gamman, .owning a large mill at Ohakune, gave lengthy evidence/ chiefly directed against Oregon. He put in numerous American papers showing details of the lumber trade, the cost of production, the nature of labour employed, etc. He fully explained the. cost of production in Rangitikei, and said the industry was greatly handicapped by Oregon and by the existing railway freights. He strongly condemned the Government valuers, whom he blamed for high prices. The increased

prices of timber only meant £10 o\i a six-roomed house. Oregon had failed to reduce building prices. More duty on Oregon would have a far-reaching effect, and would be of benefit to the industry. Royalties' and freight were far too high. A duty on a sliding scale would be a fair thing. There had been no overproduction here. After luncheon tho commission proceeded to inspect two samples of bush —one showing the effects of fires sweeping through; the other the difficulties of transit. Further evidence wa3 taken by the commission this evening.