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Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1929, Page 4

The Timber Industrial Efficiency Bill now before Parliament is an interesting measure from more points than one. In the. first place it is not promoted by the Government, but by the millers, who are said to be unanimous in their support of the proposals. In the second place it is a direct effort on the part of the millers to help themselves and the industry, rather than appealing to or expecting the State to assist With special aid. The' bill was before the late Government who apparently looked at it ra her askance, the, most the Reform Ministry would Jo was to print the bill and circulate it on the last day of the 1928 session in order merely to make the proposals public. In. the course of some propaganda work last year, the measure was mentioned at the annual meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, but in that quarter, also, the proposals had rather a frigid reception. Zet the bill is simplicity itself. Probably because the millers propose to do so much for themselves without looking for State aid or expert assistance, some folk think there must be “a nigger in the fence,” and that sooner or later the real menace will be revealed. There is for instance the year that the price of timber will advance, but trade is invariably governed by supply and demand, and so much timber being imported into the Dominion to the already serious injury o fthe local industry, it does not appear reasonable mat price? are likely to soar. The bill is probably as simple as it is interesting. It proposes to empower the timber trade to set up and finance an advisory or controlling board which will engage experts to advise sawmillers on production and efficiency problems. The Government already at the expense of the country, helps various pursuits in New Zealand along the proposed lines. In connection with farming and settlement, there is hardly an avenue on which any person is engaged in respect to wlr'ch he cannot get free advice from Government experts constantly touring the country. The sawmillers, however,' will provide their own staff and finance the whole scheme thus wholly helping themselves without reference to the State. The economic control of the industry would mean a great deal to the general prosperity of the Dominion. The sawmilling industry cmnloys a great deal and is an industry also creating much employment in manv directions. The more firmly the industry ran be established and the more healthy the economic aspect, the larger will be the growth of I the industry with corresponding expansion through other trades affectmi. Tt is a growing principle in birr industry, this effective control and ndvb'o. and stop forward will be beloful towards increased general prosperity. Apart from the industrial efficiency which no doubt will be possible, there is also the matter pf greater and better production, meaning more national wealth. As an aid to such far-reaching advantages the bill, deserves a safe passage through Parliament. The measure is one which

should play an important part in tlie material welfare of all timber-hearing localities, and in that view, Westland is certainly materially interested in seeing the hill pass into law.