ARBITRATION COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1552, 7 September 1905, Page 3

ARBITRATION COURT.

1 | THE TIMBER TRADE. I < .(Bor Press Association.) ] Invercargill, last night. I The Arbitration Oonrt is dealing with the biggest industrial dispute possible iu this district, namely, sawmilling. The I workers sook advanoes of wages, while I employers say that the conditions of trade have ohauged for the worse during tho I past two years, and that tho industry oannot stand the risk of the wages. The I demand for timber has fallen off someI what, and the bush on the plains being I nearly worked out, the cost of working on I the foot of the hills and gullies has added 100 per cent to the oost of getting the I timber, and employers are now faced with the importation of Oregon pine of lengths np to 80ft at a lower price, duty paid, than rod pine in 20ft lengths can bo bought for, while for 80ft red pine the prioe is still higher, Offers of cargoes have been received from America at an all-round prioe that would permit of selling Oregon at a I shade less than red pine, and without | limit to length or breadth. The Southland Millers’ Association is said to have beeu doing their best to keep out importations, but if outside speculators book up the trade the association would be powerless. It is asserted that the Southland mill and bush hands wore better paid than in any other, part of the world. The men urge that owing to the weather they work about 22 days per month, and that the oost of living has advanced greatly. Tho Court, after finishing evidence here, goes to Orepuki to oontinue the enquiry.