WHITE PINE TIMBER.

Taihape Daily Times, 22 February 1918, Page 3

WHITE PINE TIMBER.

EXPORTATION PROHIBITED

PROTEST TO GOVERNMENT

HOKITIKA, February 20!

The Westland Chamber of Commerce had under consideration last night to a direction issued by the Government to Commissioners of Lands and Wardens, arranging, when granting timber cutting leases and licenses, to make ? stipulation that no white pine timber shall be exported from the Dominion, but shall be reserved for purposes of the New Zealand dairying industry exclusive^ Strong exception was taken to the course proposed. It was stated that the prohibition was being irregularly enforced, an dwas contrary to the recommendations of the Forestry Commission, and to evidence tendered to the Board of Trade on this subject.

It was resolved to ask the Government to withdraw the instructions to its officers and a sub-committee was set up to prepare reasons in support of this request. It was also decided to ask other Chambers to co-operate, pointing out that groat waste as well as increased cost would result and that under stringent regulations the timber would not be available for fruitgrowers.