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Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1926, Page 2

Omcumstakc.es are focussing a good deal of attention on the outlook loi the timber trade. The industry is in a had way. In the North Island many mills are being affected, and m the South Island,, also, the depression is felt. No doubt as a result of the large importations of timber New Zealand workers are thrown out of work. Ihe employers are feeling the pinch also, hast week when a deputation from the Timber Workers’ Federation waited on the Government, it was stated that over ten thousand men were employed in the milling industry. As the great majority of the employees are married men, the number of people dependant on the industry must go to three times the number employed. it is.estimated that at present there are 1,500 mill hands out of employment. Yet last vear 1 New Zealand imported something'like 82,000,000 feet of timber, most of it from foreign countries, where with cheap labor and freights it can be produced and exported in successful competition with the local product. Some relief, should be afforded through the tariff, while every consideration should he given to the industry within the Dominion to ensure the maintenance of employment for (he large number of people dependent on sawmilling. There are towns in the North Island which arc entirely dependent on the wages of thejinillhands, and those centres are feeling the pinch acutely. It is said that in some of tho towns on the main trunk lino the depression is so acute that a number of the shop-keepers are not able to meet their business engagements. Here, milling is not the only support, hut it is something of a chief mainstay. Any falling off in wages paid will be felt bv those in business, and so there should he interest and- concern felt loealy as to the welfare of the industry. Anything which can he done to minimise the situation,,should he done without delay to avoid more serious complications.

It is pleasing to learn from the latest announcement made by the Ministep of Public Works that the Department expects to have the Waiho river bridge finished by February next. As the Hon. Williams speaks of visiting the Coast during the recess, February would bo a very suitable • month to make the visit, and his mission could include the official opening of the Waiho bridge. The Minister referred to other bridges on the main south road, for which proposals are be ing , approved, but both Slntey and McDonald’s Creeks bridges are omitted from the list. These two bridges are certainly required to assure regular motor traffic, and the Minister’s visit would afford the opportunity to become acquainted with the local necessities. As regards the other bridges, to be built, Dry Creek naturally takes pride of place, and it is to be hoped this work will he pushed ahead without delay. The work involved is considerable, for there is included the holding of the stream to a definite channel so that the road bridge will not be left high and dry by the shifting of the stream, It is at least satisfactory to know that the work is to be put in hand with money to be voted this season.