TIMBER INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25053, 17 November 1944, Page 2

TIMBER INDUSTRY

INCREASED WAGE CLAIM

EMPLOYERS' OBJECTIONS

The case for the employers in reply to the claims of the New Zealand Timber Workers' Union for certain wage increases and improved conditions was put before the Arbitration Court yesterday. The employers' representative, Mr A. Seed, said that everyone of the unsettled items in the dispute involved increased cost upon the industry. It was fundamental that any increased cost could only be met from the proceeds of production or by some corresponding decrease in some other items. With prices pegged as at May, 1942. there was no margin .wherefrom increased costs might be accommodated. "Costs Mount Alarmingly" Since May, 19-12, all other items of costs had mounted alarmingly, said Mr Seed. He had a list of materials showing increases ranging from 16 to 77 per cent. The industry had only been allowed 13d per 100 ft partly to meet these increased costs. Any increase in wage rates must inevitably be followed by an appeal to the Price Tribunal for an increase in timber prices, he said. The Government was making an urgent appeal for increased timber production, but that could not materialise if the already contracting margin left to the industry between costs and prices was further reduced. "The Prime Minister called the executive of the Sawmillers' Federation to a conference to consider ways and means of increasing timber production," continued Mr Seed. "Tho industry was told that a further 1,000,000 ft of timber was required weekly. The Government has virtually dopianded that the industry shall instal additional plant and increase the production rate of present plants to moot this shortage." Reply Made For Union Replying for the union, Mr F. Craig, its national secretary, said that for many years the employers had stated that if they could only market their 0.8. or sap timber they could pay better wages. The great demand for timber in war years had resulted in practically all timber yards being cleared of all timber. With the pressing demand for houses in coming years, the industry was assured of prosperity. Records showed that the work was the most dangerous in the country and showed that about 20 bushmcn were killed last year. "Increased wages are necessary' to enable tho workers to live decently and to avoid serious dissatisfaction and discontent." said Mr Craig. "If the price of timber used to build a £ISOO house was raised Is per 100 ft to provide increased wages for timber workers the additional cost would only amount to £5 10s for each house." The Court reserved its decision. MILLING AT MARAMARUA POWER SUPPLY QUESTION (0.C.) HAMILTON, Thursday An application was received by the Central Waikato Electric Power Board this week for the supply of electricity for a milling project at Marainarua. The board chairman, Mr G. Smith, said he had discussed the matter with the Electricity Controller. Mr T. F. M. Kissel, who had stated that when the Timber Controller advised him that he was prepared to proceed with the project he (Mr Kissel) would give his consent for the necessary supply of electricity and provide an additional point of supply, or, in the alternative, would provide temporary means of generating the required power. Mr Smith said that the block consisted of 12,000 acres of pinus insignis. It was desirable that the board should supply the power and thus secure a valuable customer. It might be 12 months before a start was made. The timber would be required for pulping. GOLF COMPETITIONS Titirangi Ladies' Club.—Closing of the season:—Four-ball Stableford bogey: Mrs W. Leys and Mrs M. Shroff, 42; Mrs Jt. S. Deighton and Miss W. Todd, 42. The former pair won on the recount. Consolation Stableford: Senior, Mrs Shroff. 31; Junior, Mrs Stewart, 31. The following officers were elected at the annual meeting: President, Miss A. Hacket; captain. Miss P. Moody; secretary, Miss R. Gillett; handicapper. Mi«s G. Thompson; committee, Mrs J. A. Kilner, Mrs P. Andrew. Mrs B. Cooper, Mrs P. W. Lucas. Miss L. Drysdale. BOWLING TOURNEY An open rinks tourney was held by the Carlton Bowling Club yesterday. Thirty-eight teams participated in six sections. Results were:—Section A: Whi taker (Carlton). B: Livingstone (Onehunga). C: Mcintosh (Grey Lvnn). D: Herrick (Auckland). E: Griffiths (Grev Lynn). F: Ayre (Balmoral). In postsection play Whitaker beat Livingstone, Mcintosh beat Flerrick, and Ayre beat Griffiths. In the semi-final Ayre will meet Mcintosh, arid Whitaker has a bye. TRACK CYCLING RACES Lynndale Amateur Club.—One mile Junior: K. W. Cleal, 40yds, 1; F. Willis, 70yds, 2; B. J. Howlctt, lOOyds, 3. Time, 2m 14 l-f>s. Senior: ,T. Hill, scr, 1; H. Wilson, 30,vds, 2; ,7. L. Walker, 00yds, 3. Time, 2m 3 l-ss. Three miles open: R. W. Cleal, 208 yds, 1; J. 1. Walker, 205 yds, 2:. J. Garrod, 208 yds, 3. Time, Om 30 l-ss. Manukau Amateur Club.—Half-mile junior: B. ,T. Hewlett, 80yds, 1; J. Mansel, 100 yds, 2; I). White, 50yds, 3. Time. 61 4-ss. Senior: F,. L. G. Hughes, 20yds, 1; D. H. D. Weber, 100 yds. 2; S. Lloyd, 40yds, 3. Time, 00s. Two milesjopen: J. H. G. Hill, scr, 1; E. L G. Hughes. 10yds, 2: ,T I. Walker. 80yds. 3. Time. Im IS l-ss. SOFTBALL MATCHES Auckland Association.—The following matches will be played tomorrow: —Men's Major League, first round competition, Fowlds Park: No. 1 diamond, 1.30 p.m., Mount Albert v. Mount Eden; No. 1, 3 p.m., Boston Red Sox v. .St. Louis Browns; No. 2, 3 p.m.. Training College v. St. Louis Cnrrilnnii; Pioneers, a bye. Ladies' Major League, Outer Domain: No, 1, 1.30 p.m., Buttons v. T.T.C. B; No. 1. 2.30 p.m.. Kiwi v. T.T.C. A: N'o. I. 3.30 p.m., Xga-Iwi v. T.T.C. C. IMPORT LICENCES The Customs Department advises that a quantity of electric, conduit will be available for procurement from the United Kingdom. Regular importers of conduit who desire to avail themselves ot the opportunity to secure supplies should lodge applications for licences immediately with collectors of customs. An amended allocation has been made in regard to gloves and mittens. Licences for imports of rubber tyre repair outfits from the United Kingdom during 1045 may be granted to the extent of 50 per cent, of the amounts of licences granted for imports of similar goods from the same source in 1042. Applications from regular importers of such material will be considered for licences to import phosphor bronze gauze from the United Kingdom.