TIMBER IMPORTS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1926, Page 3

TIMBER IMPORTS

HIGHER TARIFF WANTED. “ We have no chance of competing with American timber under the present tariff,” said Mr D. Reese, at Christchurch, who stated the case for more protection, on behalf of the sawmillers. to the Committee of Canterbury .Members of Parliament, on Monday morning. He said they knew the matter would he under discussion during the session. The industry in New Zealand was being attacked by enormous imports from America, and they found themselves quite unable to cope with this factor, so cheaply was it possible to land timber from the United States. The imports were affecting the revenue of the railways, and the earning capacity of the people. Thirty years ago the duty was 2s per 100 ft. and in those days this was quite reasonable protection, for timber was selling at about os per 100 ft. To-day. however, .something, more was needed. America could freight timber cheaper to Auckland or Wellington it could he taken there from the New Zealand mills. In recent years, the • dustry hud had to contend with many factors which increased production costs. Wages had gone up, anil royalties had increased from 3d per 10!HI 25 years ago to Is 6d per 100 ft. to-day. Furthermore, the method of computation was unsatisfactory, as they were obliged to accept the decision of an officer of the Forestry Department, who assessed the amount of timber per acre. The sawmillers did not suggest a prohibitive tariff, as certain imports were inevitable. Kauri had nearl gone out, and redwood was a good substitute.