TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 493, 28 April 1909, Page 10

TIMBER INDUSTRY.

THE COMMISSION AT TAIHAPE.

' .' (BT TEIjIGBAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Talhapa, April 27. The Timber Commission arrived last night, and opened its, sittings this morning./ ...^ Evidence was given by, the manager of Powell Process, Ltd., as to utilising soft timber, enabling nearly all bush to lie. utilised; , especially Mite pine and kauri. The pro-, oess would, effect , a-great saving in railway sleepers. Witness considered millers were charging a fair price for timber, also that the association was not penalising the public. Mr. Punch, a sawmiller of Haetihi, who supplied the local trade, said he considered the millers had a grievance against the Government over, railway freight. He advocated a branch lino from Ohalcune to Eaetihi. The importation of Oregon timber had helped to depress the industry.. If the present state of affairs continued the industry, would bo paralysed. , The cost's of production increased as the bush got further back. ' ' ' Mr. Gamman, owning a jarge mill at Uhakune, gave lengthy evidence, chiefly directed against Oregon.,.. He put in numerous American papers showing details of the lumber trade. ■ the cost of production, the na.ture of labour-employed, etc. He fully explained tlie cos'tof production in Eangitikei, and said tho industry was greatly handicapped, by Oregon and by the existing railway freights. Ho strongly condemned the Government valuers; whom he blamed for high pnces.Jhe increased prices of timber only meant £10 on a six-roomed house.. Oregon had failed to reduce. building' prices. More duty,. on Oregon would have,a far-reaching effect, and would be of benefit to tho industry. Royalties and freight were far too high._ A'duty on a sliding scale would be a fair thing. -There had been no over-production here; ' After luncheon-the commission proceeded to inspect two samples of Inish—one showing the effects of fire, sweeping through; sthe other tho difficulties of transit. ■•;■•■•■ Further evidence was'taken by the commission this evening. . ''