TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1927, Page 4

TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Result of Local Efforts. DEPUTATION TO PREMIER. The serious condition of the timber industry was again discussed by the Greymouth Borough Council when a letter was read at last night’s meet ing from the New Zealand Timber In dustry Advancement League, asking for co-operation in protecting the industry by urging the Government to impose a protective tariff against im ported timber.

Mr IT. E. Holland, ALP., wrote stat ing that he would be glad to do what ever was possible to safeguard the in dustry. Recently a deputation representing the political ami industrial organisations of Labour had requested the Acting-Prime Minister and other Ministers that a Royal Commission go into the whole position of the industry in New Zealand. He urged that the Council add its weight to the request. A letter was also received from the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, and the Hon. G. J. Anderson, advising that the Council’s representatives would have careful consideration. The Mayor said arrangements were being made by Messrs Seddon and Hol land for a deputation to Mr Coates, and the local bodies and other interest c<’ parties circularised. The matte.’ had been fully discussed, and he thought the Councillors were all of one mind on the matter.

Cr Greenslade, speaking at length, emphasised the unemployment and de pression of trade caused by the slump in the industry. Something must be done. He urged that the deputation go to the Prime Minister without delay. The letters were received. AUSTRALIAN uuTY RISE PROPOSAL. MELBOURNE, February 24. Opposing an application for an increased tariff on imported timber before the Tariff Board, Mr. Heath (man [ager of Saxton ami Son, one of the leading timber merchants in Sydney) sai l he oppose .] the proposed increased duty, Australia could not supply all With economic chaos reigning throughout the trade in both A ust raii;i’i and foreign timbers, any further duty would only do harm. There was huge over-capitalisation in the timber trade, brought about through failure to make adjustment in the post-war period.