THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2747, 15 April 1916, Page 15

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

HAAIPERED BY LACK OF SHIPPING. ' By Telegraph—Press Association. Creyinouth, April 14. The West Coast timber industry is seriously hampered through shortage of shipping. Some thousands of pounds' worth of timber is on the skids, but millers are unable to fulfil orders owing to the paucity of ships. The Union Com pany explains that it cannot fulfil engagements as its fleet is virtually commandcered for national purposes. At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerco a resolution was passed to approach tho Government to see if the position can bo ameliorated by tho rolcase of ships. If immediate relief is not forthcoming, all the mills will close down at an early date. A deputation of West Coast sawmillem waited upon tho Primo Minister yesterday regarding tho scarcity of ships for tho carriage of timber from their ports, 'i'hey stated tbat their need was chiofly for outward tonnage to Australia, whero t'hey* bad established a good market with a strong demand. Now huge stacks of timber wore standing at Greymouth, and some of it was deteriorating to such au extent that in a short time it would .be unmarketable. This state of affairs was compelling the mill-owners to cease operations. Tho deputation asked Mr. Massey to assist thorn if possible by providing ships. Mr. Wassey said tliat lie fully understood and appreciated their difficulty, but unfortunately the aawmilling industry \aj,s net the only industry affeotc/l by the scarcity of ships. However, lie would innlce representations on their belialf in the proper quarter, and would help tJiem if lie possibly could.