TIMBER INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 73, 27 March 1930, Page 11

TIMBER INDUSTRY

MEETING OF M.P.'S

An effort to convene a. meeting of members of Parliament early next session to discuss the position in the timber industry is being made by Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P. for Botorua. The following letter has been 'addressed by Mr. Clinkaid to fifty-six members of the House of Representatives: — "No doubt you are aware of the depressed condition of our timber milling industry. In 1924-25 10,022 employees were engaged: therein, while in 1927-28 thouumbers had fallen to 7186, and it is estimated that this year's figures will show a considerable further decline. This is doubtless largely due to importation, for in 1924 imports from the United States were 7,436,541 superficial feet, and in 1929 had increased to 24,527,392 ft. ' "Personally, I am a strong advocate of tho utilisation of our own materials, the encouragement of our own jn-oduc-tion, and the defence of our industries from unnecessary foreign imports. With this aim in view I wish to enlist the active co-operation of all those members of Parliament who agree with me, quite irrespective of the political party to which we may belong. '' Would you kindly advise me as to your attitude toward tho question, and if.you will be prepared to attend a meeting during the first week in which Parliament meets or shortly after, to consider what steps, if any, should be taken to attain the desired results." Mr. Clinkard has received abOnt twenty favourable replies from •■ members, and he. states that others have indicated to him personally their sympathy -with the movement. He expected to receive further replies within the next fow days.