TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18343, 1 June 1931, Page 8

TIMBER INDUSTRY.

DECLINE IN FIGURES.

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS DOWKr SALES CONSIDERABLY LESS. The present depression has hit th® timber industry in New Zealand mor® seriously than any other slump in its history/ The Arbitration Court requested figures to be forwarded showing the position of the sawmilling industry, with a result that a comprehensive report was prepared. The investigation revealed that th® trend of the industry, was taking a decided downward course, and non® realised until its findings were published how the whole of the trade had suffered. That it was undergoing a period of depression was, of course, known, but not in such seriousness. Some mills have had to cease production, and the output of even tha small number now in operation is in excess of demand. Many of these are hoping that there will be a change for the better, and only this fact encourages them to continue working.' t To this must of course be added the knowledge that there is a regular de-j preciation of houses which must ba replaced and provision must be mad® for a growing population. The following are some of the figures, obtained through the investigation. It] will be noted that imports and exports are affected to about the same degree. A quarterly return showing the total, imports of foreign timber . into New, Zealand for the period July 1, 1929 to, March 31, 1931, reveals that for ,tha m three months, July/September, 1939, 16,754,798 superficial feet were imported, and for the three months, January/March, 1931, 5,363,170 feet wer® imported, making a decline of 11,391, 628 feet. The statement showing a quarterly return of tine total exports of timber, from New Zealand for the period July 1, 1929, to March 31, 1931, reveals’ that for the three months, July/September, 1929, 11,640,902 superficial feet were exported, and during th® three months, January/March, 1931, 2,483,931 feet were exported, a declin® of 9,156,971 feet. ’ The decline of ’sales of New Zealand limber over a period of one year and nine months from July 1, 1929, to March 31, 1931, was as follows:—*

This gives a decline in sales of tho three groups of 69.31 per cent., op, 25,031,635 super, feet.

July/September, North Island, .Westland .., 1929: Three months! Super. Feet. . .... 18,009,592 15,028,897 3.080,600 Total .. 36,119,089 January/March, North Island 1931: Three months! 6,316,493 3,409,661 Southland ... ...... 1,361,300 Total .. 11,087,454