TIMBER COMMISSION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 114, 12 May 1909, Page 8

TIMBER COMMISSION.

EXPORT DUTY ON KAURI

OF THE BUSH

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, May 12. Before the Timber Commission to<rlay, the Hon. E. Mitchelson, representing Mitchelson and Company, large timber exporters, said that the oompany had not paid a dividend during the last five years, though last year they made a profit of 9£ per cent, without allowing for do-1 preciation. He opposed the imposition of an export duty on kauri,, which would close all the northern mills and throw a large number of men out of employment without cheapening timber, which was at bedrock prices now. It was the purest nonsense to talk of conservation of the bush in view of its insecurity from fire risks. He denied that timber was re-exported, from- Australia at prices lower than those charged nere. Pie thought the present duty jon Oregon pine sufficient.