The Timber Trade

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8155, 4 April 1906, Page 6

The Timber Trade

{Per Press Association.)

GKEYMOUTH. April 3. A deputation of sawmillers waited on the Harbour Board to-day in connection with the proposed timber rate.

Mr Norris, one of the deputation, said the time was inopportune to suggest an additional impost on the timber trade which at present was unsatisfactory. Prices were, falling and trade slackening. If a rate of threepence were imposed the sawmills might shut up; business because they would be knocked out of the markets. He was sorry to say that there -was a probability (and it would have come about this week) of a further reduction of 10 to 15 per cent in regard to timber for export from this port. They had either to do this or, shut up altogether. At present a large number of the mills were doing nothing: but cutting stock orders. That was the " glorious" condition of the industry. At present timber was charged 30 to 40 per cent more rates than coal for eight miles cartage. Timber cost 8s 4d and coal 2s Id per ton.

The chairman stated that the Board had no intention of doing anything detrimental to the Industry, and they would pay a great deal of attention to the statements made by the deputation as they recognised that the members knew more about the matter than they did. The matter would be thoroughly discussed and before any impost was deeided on the deputation would receive notice.