WHITE PINE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1931, Page 6

WHITE PINE

CHARGE OF DUMPING IN AUSTRALIA. SAWMILLERS’ ACTION. CHRISTCHURCH, September 5. Newspapers propaganda against the use of New Zealand white pine in Australia, in which the Council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce lias interested itself, was answered in a letter from the secretary of the Doi minion Federated Sawmillers’ Association (Mr Arthur Seed) brought before the Council last evening. Air Seed enclosed a letter written in reply to an article headed, “Sydney Dumping-ground for New Zealand i Danger-Timber,” which appeared recently "in the Sydney “Sunday Guardian.” This article alleged that New j Zealand white pine was being dumped i into Australia; that it was peculiarly | susceptible to attack by the borer; and that Sydney alone lost two million I pounds a year through damage to property arising from use of the white pine. CHEAPNESS OF RIMU. Air Seed had pointed out the absurdity of these charges, for the following, reasons:— (1) Since New Zealand red pine can be landed in Australia more cheaply than white pine, and was superior lor I building purpovses, it was inconceivable that white pine would be used to any j extent for building. | (2) The losses alleged by the use of ' white pine exceeded the total value ! of white pine exported during 1930 by ten time 3. FOR BUTTER BOXES. (3) New Zealand white pine was exported to Australia for the manufacture of butter and similar boxes, and some quantities were probably used for fittings and cheaper grade of furniture. Similar information has been forwarded by Air Seed to the New Zealand Trade Commissionor in Australia: (Air L. J. Schmitt). Since the white pine industry is one that closely affects Canterbury through the West Const, the Chamber has advised the Dominion Federated Sawmillers’ Association of its support should any further action be necessary. “RIDICULOUS REPORTS. ’’ Air T. N. Gibbs .said that the published reports were ridiculous. They were apparently part of a scheme to spoil trade relations between Australia and New Zealand. He suggested that they should advise the Sydney Chamber of.their concern at such untrue criticism. No further action was taken.