THE COMMONWEALTH TARIFF

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 October 1901, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH TARIFF

(pee press association)

The Conference of Sawmillers. Wellington, Oct 24,

Tho Timber Conference which met in Parliament buildings to-day passed the following resolutions: — "That this meeting very largely representing the timber industry in New Zealand would urge upon Government the necessity in tho interest of the workers of this colony to place an export duty on all logs either in the round or squared with axe or saw to such an extent as will prevent the export of such from our shores. "That the duty on logs or squarod logs be 3s per 100 feet and that this Conference deprecates any export duty being placed on any sawn or dressed New Zealand timber.

' " That in view of the present tariff recommendation be made to the Govern - that a reduction be made on all white pine for shipment by rail, say to Is per 100 feet to the nearest port. "That not anticipating any adverse legislation from the Australian Commonwealth, the Northern companiej havo committed themselves to large contracts for log supplies for the purpose of keeping their mills running in full time, and as the Federal tariff is likely to lead to a restricted demand, we trust the Government will give favourable consideration to any application for extension of time for clearing bush held under short Government leases.

'•That this conference is of the opinion that it is not possible to save for any length of time, bush, especially Kauri bush, which is surrounded and encroached upon by ever'advancing settlement. "That the timber which can and should be conserved is mostly in the hands of Government and should be, when sold, carefully guarded and cut under judicious regulations." .