THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13947, 30 April 1909, Page 2

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

KVIDKXCK AT TAIHAPE

Per Press Association. TAJHAPK, April 29. Tlio Timber Commission concluded its sittings hero last night. Most of the evidence was a reiteration of the previoiu testimony. "Mr. Lundins, Crown Lauds Hanger, covered new ground relative to the suitability of the Waimarino district for settlement, which would be greatly retarded if the bush] were conserved for an indefinite period. It would also adversely affect the railway traffic. Mr. Bailey, a saw miller, consvlcred the timber industry would bo greatly assisted nnd the price kept down it branch lines of railways wore constructed to feed the Main Trunk. If Ihe Government could not find the tponey private enterprise should be allowed a concession on tho construction. Mr. n. T>. Bennett, chairman of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce, gave very important evidence, detailing in •i comprehensive way the circumstances relating to the saw milling industry nnd the necessity for utilising local timber in preference to Oregon. His evidonco lasted over three hours, and was not shnken in the least by severe cross-examination. At the conclusion of tho sitting, Mr. Jenninj's, in moving a vote of thanks to the witnesses, said they had irade r>:it a strong, solid and reasonable fight for the protection of their interests. Mr. Iknnett, in reply, thanked tho Com in i ision and expressed his appreciation of the treatment of witnesses. The chairman also expressed the opinion that valuable evidence had boon obtained at Taihape. The Commission left this morning to vi -tit Ohakuno and Waimarino.