THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 101, 30 April 1909, Page 4

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

— 'I ■ FURTHER EVIDENCE AT TAIHAPE. ' JJBT TELEGRAPH. — PItKSS ASSOCIATION.] TAIHAPE, 29th April. The Timber Commission concluded its sittings here last night. Most of the evidence was a reiteration of previous testimony. Mr. Lvmdius, Crown Lands ranger, covered new ground relative to the suitability of tho Waimarino district for settlement, which would be greatly 1 etarded if the bush were conserved to\ ail indefinite period. Mr. Bailey, sawmiller, said he consideied the timber industry would be greatly assisted, and the price kept down if branch lines of railway were constructed to feed the Main Trunk line. If the Government could not find the money, private enterprise should be allowed a concession for construction. _ H. D. Bennett, chairman of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce, gave important evidence, detailing in a comprehensive way the circumstances relating to the sawmilling industry, 'and the necessity of utilising local timber in preference to Oregon. His evidence lasted over three hours, and was not shaken in the least by a severe cross-examination. At the conclusion of the sitting Mr. Jennings moved - a vote of thanks to the witnesses, who, he said, had made out a strong, solid, and reasonable fight for protection of their interests. Mr. Bennett, in reply, thanked the commission, and expressed appreciation .of the treatment of witnesses. The chairman also expressed the opinion that valuable evidence had been obtained at Taihape. The commission left this morning, and will visit Ohakurfe and Waimaxino.