SAWMILLERS DEFENDED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1926, Page 1

SAWMILLERS DEFENDED

REPLY TO CRITICISM: ‘‘lt is not :i matter of mechanical methods being practised in New Zealand. but of their being practicable,” said Mr A. Seed, secretary to the Now Zealand Snwmil levs’ Federation, on Friday in reply to criticism of sawmilling methods in New Zealand which ap pea red in a recent issue of the “ New Zealand Times.” “ Owing to tho great timber per acre, is even size, length, and texture, and light weight, water carriage and numberless other natural ad_ vantages, the parallels of which, arc actual physical disadvantages in New Zealand, tho timber on tho Pacific Coast of America lends itself peculiarly to mechanical processes. But wo could not employ them out hero.” “ There arc certain bodies which function in price determination,” went on Mr Seed. “There must he in all trades. Someone must determine what the prices are to be, and the millers lend their experience to this end. Otherwise production would be chaos. Mr Seed admitted that what were referred to as “timber pirates” did exist, hut lie doubted very much whether these people were malting a good profit. Agents received supplies from mills which were up against it and sold these at cut prices, or they might even go to a prospective buyer and offer to halve their commission on the sale with him.’’