TIMBER EXPORT,

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1918, Page 1

TIMBER EXPORT,

HOARD OP TRADE RESTRICTIONS

It has boon rumoured that the Government is about to prohibit the export of New Zealand timbers to Australia, but a gentleman connected with the industry informed a “Press” reporter that this is not so,, steps are simply being I taken by the Board, of Trade to ascertain the available quantities of white pine so that if there is a shortage of such for Dominion butter-box making requirements steps can ho taken to curtail the export. For this reason they are requesting the sawmillors to supply the following returns: — (in The quantity of the different grades of white pine exported by them during the year ended July 31st, 1018. (b) The quantity of grades sold for use in New Zealand during the year ended July 31st, 1018, giving names of users of over 00,000 square feet, and aggregate of others. (o) The quantity and grades in stock on July 31st, 1918. (cl) The quantity and grades contracted for with sawmillors for the year

(o) The quantity and grades sold for delivery to New Zealand users for the year ending July 31st, 1919. It is stated that, this notion is the result of the butter-box makers complain ing of a shortage and consequent greatly increased price for butter boxes, though locally it is pointed out pinus insignis is being, used just as satisfactorily.

An explanatory memorandum prepared by the president of the New Zealand .SawmilJor s Federation has been issued by the Hoard of Trade to sawmillers, and others connected with the while pim- timber industry in connection with the matter.

The Board require to know the probable output of all sawmillers, amt liable output of all sawmills. Provision is made to get () ver any adjustment or mutual agreement that may be found ad vhable to he made between two or more mJ'lers so as to provide 'that any miller agreeing to supply more than their fair share of timber for the New Zealand trade can he compensated by those millers who are permitted to .export more than their fair share. It is not intended io impose any restrictions upon export, with respect to any particular miller until the minimum to be supplied to all reerved for New Zealand, or to the export trade should be carried. In any such valuation the Board will he guided by the needs of (lie industries affected and an assurance is given that that- will he exercised to insure that no miller will he asked to bold stocks against a fictitious local demand. The fixing of the price is not obligatory, and may probably lie resorted to only in the event, of any supplier demanding an abnormal price totally portion of the minimum amount he is bound to supply to New Zealand industries, or in the event of any user endeavouring to utilise these regulations for the purpose of meeting supplies at less than .fair trade rates. If it, is found necessary to so fix prices due regard will be given to all interests' While arranging that any New Zealand use to timber shall have preference of supply of over export, the Board may require to he, satisfied that delitciies of such timber will be taken in conformity with established trade customs. The Board wish it to he distinctly understood that the object of the regulations is not to press unnecessary i«strieftaons upon the timber inlustry, but, 0 n the contrary to ensure for. if the maximum of freedom compatible with a duo regard for the necessities of other industries. .