THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13652, 22 July 1908, Page 6

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

PANIC ON THE COAST. MINISTER'S~CALM REPLY. Per Press Association. HOKITLKA, July 2L A large and enthusiastic public meeting was held' here this evening, when a resolution was unanimously passed urging the Government to fake immediate steps to protect the sawmilling and timber industry, by increasing the duty on American soft woods, now being, dumped wholesale into New Zealand, and that a representative from this district, witlh the proposed deputation from the Sawmillers' Conference now being held, in Wellington, wait upon the Government .witlh this end in view. Several of the speakers forcibly pointed out the dire effects the stopping of the sawmilling industry would have upon ihis district.

During the discussion the following important telegram from Hon. J. X. Millar to the county chairman was read—"Your telegram re timber duty to hand. The matlter will receive consideration; but I do not look upon the question so seriously as you seem to think. To my certain knowledge large orders have been placed on the West Coast for timbers beyond New Zealand, and the price list which I have before me of tamber in differentcentres would go td show that the price at which Oregon is sold does not point *o such a sweeping of the market as yon anticipate. Oregon is a timber suitable for a certain class of work, and at present bears a duty equivalent to 33 per cent, of what you stnte to be the selEnsr price of your timber in New Zealand, which is "a heavier rate of duty than granted to any other industry.