THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2902, 27 October 1909, Page 22

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

DUTY ON OREGON.

SAWMILLERS' COMPLAINT

WELLINGTON. October 23.

A deputation representing the sawmilling industry waited on the Prime Minister to-day to point out an anomaly in the report of the Tmber Commission regarding the proposed alteration in the Customs duty on Oregon timber. The spokesmen were Messrs Bennett (Ran;?! tikei), Nalder (South Auckland), ami Gamman (Main Trunk line).* The poirt urgsd was that while in general the panmillers approved of the recommendations of the commission, yet the result 01 the recommendation in regard to tiie duty on Oregon, if gi\en effect to. would >c that saw millers, instead of receiving further protection, would be in a worte position than under present condition*. Tlie rommission had iecommf-nd?fl an in'-rease to 3s in the duty on Mnall sizes, and th:it bulk si/e^ be admitted duty free. Sliouid this ho done all Orr r ;on would he import eel in bulk ;ind cut into oidinary building lengths on ainval. The Hon. A li Guinn°ss and Mr Field, M P., in god that •■dip^uards should be placed against e\asion of duty.

The PiiniG Minister said tint the Cubinet had not yt-t nni\^d at any d» f ision on th 3 foiinnn^ion's repoit. Th^ Government would can- 1 fully tonridri th" impoit.mt recommendations made tlur - in, and the deputation could depend on it that the decit-ion would not be orv th:>t would piove injurious to the timber industry. The deputation subsequently waited on the Minister 01 Customs and received a similar reply

Am application signed by 68 of the Maoris of the Canterbury district has been, forwarded to the Defence Minister asking for the formation of a Maori mounted rifle company.