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Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1926, Page 2

Tin-; serious condition of the limber industry continues to tie a matter of moment in tin’s district, as well as other parts of New Zealand, where the industry forms a material part, in' the local well-being. The heavy importations of overseas timbers is now wry much. beyond the local overseas export. and the disparity is more likely to increase than otherwise. This means a. lessening of local orders, and the resultant stringency in employment. Some remedy or palliative must he sought, seeing that labor conditons an? such in Now Zealand that competition in price will lie all against the local article. One method of helping tb? situation would lie by imposing a higher tariff on the imported article. It- would not he sufficient that this sum should go merely into the Government coffers for the time Ving. To afford .scum? practical help, the advantage gained by the national finance from the increased duty could lie utilised by reducing transport freights on timber sent by rail to outside markets in Xi?w Zealand. This relief would he of some assistance in giving a. relief in price to the consumer, and it is only by that means that the New Zealand market can lie bettered. Tire '.subject is one which is sure to come to the front at the first favourable opportunity, for the volume of employment in the industry is now lieing very much restricted under the present unequal competition. In a district such as this where so much depends on regular employment to assure sustained prosperity, the matter ranks of great importance, and it is for all classes to become interested in the subject. 'Employer and employee are most directly concerned and there should he united action from that' quarter to stir up public opinion on the question. The fact that the stringency in the trade is general all through the Dominion makes action the more imperative, and with unified action very influential pressure should be brought upon the powers that he towards affording a. material degree of relief, which will make the coming winter period less difficult in the way of employment than it promises to bo.