CONSERVING NEW ZEALAND TIMBERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11581, 23 May 1916, Page 8

CONSERVING NEW ZEALAND TIMBERS.

For Press Association. Wellington, May 311. To-day a deputation representing the New Zealand Builders’ and Contractors’ Federation discussed with the Minister of Railways tho question of differential railway rates on New Zealand and foreign timbers. It was pointed out that last year tho value of imports of timber was £4O,IS:'. The end of Now Zealand timber was practically in sight, supplies were coming to an end. and builders were getting exceedingly anxious as to the future. They wanted the timber conserved fortlie future, ami if they could conserve it by helping the importation of foreign timbers they thought they would he following a good policy. Later they intended approaching the Minister of Customs respecting import and export duties,

The Minister said lie did not think he could hold out any hope of alteration while the war lasted. He would like to give some relaxation in regard to hardwood but in war time ho did not want to drop any source of revenue. If a Customs Bill was brought in he would put the matter before the Cabinet.