TIMBER PRICES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 196, 14 May 1919, Page 6

TIMBER PRICES

. 9 ■ ■ PROTEST FROM SAWMTLLEES. By Teleeravh—Vrcss Association. Invercarflill, May 13., Tho Southland sawmillers object to Sir Francis Bell's statement that the, pricti of timber had advauced beyond nil reason. They declare that tho advance sineo the war has boon 40 per pent., but the productive charges also have greatly increased. Few of tho milk mado any profits during the war, nnd half of them had suffered considerable losses. If the Minister prohibits the export and regulates tho prices the industry will be fnced with ruin, and half tho mills in Southland will have to- closo down. The millers declare that they havo made plans for years ahead, and if the rmv regulations aro suddenly imposed wititout careful investigation as to their effects- the millers will be involved .in heavy losses. They urge- that if the industry is to be treated from a national viewpoint it should be entirely national is«l, and not Jxrnnd by the. new regulations, which will drive the weaker to the wall. Thoy ask for a commission of inquiry to take evidence in all werts of tho Dominion.