STATE ENTERPRISE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15901, 12 April 1912, Page 7

STATE ENTERPRISE.

[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 11. Replying to a deputation from the Timber Workers’ conference the Hon G. Laurenson said that lie had a gecd deal of sympathy with the proposal to nationalise the timber industry, but lie did not think it couid be tackled in the near future. Ho did not see how ho could avoid leaving mortgages as the first call in tlio case of bankrupt employers. Ho personally favoured increasing the duty on foreign timber, but this would mean raising the cost of living. Tlio establishment of a State ferry sendee would bo a necessary corollary to the completion of the South Island Main Trunk Railway. On other points the Minister said he was in sympathy with the objects of the deputation. On the question of the price of food Mr Laurenson said that the milk supply should be dealt with by the municipalities. Under the municipal system the cost of distribution would be reduced by 75 per cent.