SAWMILLERS' FEDERATION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3153, 3 August 1917, Page 3

SAWMILLERS' FEDERATION

MEETING IN; WELLINGTON. The Dominion Federation of Sawmillers' Associations met in Wellington at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday under the presidency of Mr. W. 'J. I Butler, of Hokitika.- Mr. W. T. Irvine [ acted as secretary. The objects of the i federation, as outlined by the chairman, were the protection,and promotion of t'lie eawmilling industrythe collection and circulation of all information 'affecting the interests 'of those engaged in the industry; the Tedreas and removal of grievances between members or between the federation and other coinmeroial associations, and for the improvement of facilities for providing cheaper timber for the general community. ■ Among the matters that came up for general discussion at the meeting were the shortage of labour as .u result of the war, the cost of production, cost of materials employed in the industry, the increase in wages as the result of tho general increase in tile cost of living. It was pointed out that as the result of tho" •war. and the ballot, it was mostly married 'men who were now employed in the industry, and the conditions of trade were such thaTthe timber now being turned out was generally for essential works, such as additional storage, and other-urgent requirements. The exception was the© sport of rimu and white piuo to Australia. • That demand had increased owing to the cutting off of supplies of Oregon and Baltic pine, consequent upon war conditions. Some of the timber now being supplied was for the extension of freezing works and dairy factories. ' '

At the conclusion of the conference 'a deputation waited • on tli£ Minister of Finance to air a long-standiitf Grievance concerning assessments for taxation purposes. The deputation was introduced by Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., and was attended by several members of Parliament interested. in sawmilling districts. Sir Joseph Ward assured the deputation that.every consideration would be given to. the' representations taade.