THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 88

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

PEIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED

(Feosi Our Own Correspondent.)

GREYMOUTH, May 27.

The Prime Minister, in reply to a deputation of sawmillers, said he was now going into the position as affecting the importing of Oregon. As to what should be done under the findings of ■the Royal Commission, there were, as they knew, very conflicting interests involved, and it was difficult to reconcile those interests. It was hard to find a solution that would be satisfactory to all in regard to the importation of alien timber, but the matter would be fully looked into. The Government knew the importance of the industry, and it was its duty to help it as much as it could consistently do. Their representations on the duty question would have the fullest consideration. In reference to the tenure of sawmill reservations, he recognised the inconvenience of the present system of renewals. At the same time representations will be made by settlers of bush country who were opposed to the land being locked up for milling purposes for an indefinite period. Where settlement was affected this was a contentious matter. Personally, he recognised the importance of the reservations to the life of the mill, and he would go into the matter fully, and see what could be done to meet the wishes expressed.