THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14579, 19 July 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

1»- — WELLINGTON, June 23. The reporo of the Timber Commission, which has been forwarded to the DeputyGovernor, is said to be a series of compromises. It is understood yiai the report indicates that the, price of timber in the Dominion has not been unduly excessive, , though fairly high prices have been charged owing to the high rate of freights on the New Zealand railways. The Commission, it. is stated, recommends the Government i« reduce freights, and so bring the charges into sympathy with the rates levied on coal and other products. The Railway Department has contended that the rates are regulated by measurement as much as by dead weight. The Commission suggests more up-to-date machinery for the hauling of logs to the mills as si means' of reducing the nrica o: timber. The Commission states tha* tne impor- \ talion of Oregon pine has not menaced the local timber industry. On the contrary, it is understood that in the case of long lengths of- Oregon, fieo importation will be advised, as builders contend that such timber cannot be conveniently produced in thus country. In the case of the shorter lengths it is stated that an increased duty of Is per 100 ft will be recommended. The duty at present is 2s. I n this way it is hoped to assist local millera to compete against that class of imported timber which most seriously affects their output, (neater encouragement for the icaftorestaUon of New Zealand is recwumended At present the maximum expendilute by the State i B any one yew I limited to £25,000. y 8 -The i a