The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY. MARCH 22, 1927. TIMBER CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY. MARCH 22, 1927. TIMBER CONTROL

The Prime Minister lias intimated that he will hear the much talked off timber deputation, the first week in the coining month. It is to be (hoped the deputation will be a representative one, and that the whole aspect of this large subject will be gone into thoroughly. We have seen during the last few days the butter control system break down. As a matter of fact the timber control broke down long ago, but the millers were not as strong as the farmers, and could not force the authorities to endeavour to redeem the position. Cftie essential matter for attention is the removal of the restriction on trading. The late Prime Minister made frequent reference to production, more production. and still more production, as a means to help the country through. The millers took the head of the Government at his word, and went on producing, and at the same time what was just, as essential, opening up fresh markets overseas for the sale of the produce. But the self-same Government intervened, and the ukase went forth that timber export, was to lie restricted. That- was the first and greates blow at the timber industry. It removed the one market where much of the waste product of the forests could be realised on economically. And that gone caused a rise in other qualiteis. The timber trade was disorgan-

ised hv the loss of profitable trading, and the start downhill was commenced. There is still a tight rein on export, and a .special department in turn controls the control. Yet, this curbing means a drag on the industry, and lias assisted very materially to bring about the parlous state which now reigns. Probably had the millers more influence, something could he done. Till ike the farmers they have to put up with harrassing conditions and it is to he hoped the coming deputation will be able to impress the Prime Minister with the need for easing, the conditions for export, or better .still, provide free marketing. Although, in the interim, a valuable trade which cost a considerable sum to build up, has been lost, the freedom which would lie afforded hv such a policy would give some heart to those in the industry, and in greater confidence they could again set about to create the trade which has been lost. The monumental stacks of timber to he seen all over the Dominion at every siding where milling is established, is patent proof of the stagnation of the industry and the need there is to do something to relieve and to retrieve the position. We take it the. deputation cannot’come awnv from the Prime Minister empty handed. It is for Air Coates to stand by his platform policy and keep Government out. of business by less interference in the regular trading of the country. The ordinary means of supply and (femand should he break enough on such an important industry as the timber trading without introducing artificial measures to hamper trading development and intercourse. The futility of what was done in the past is all too apparent. A great loss has been out on the industry, and that in the end is reflected all through D" country. The earning power of any industry is for the benefit of the whole country, ns is plainly seen now l>y the amount of unemployment rampant- all through the Dominion as a result of the drop in earning power of the produce of the country. Free trading is one of the nnnccas best suited to assist towards ii quick recuperation, and in regard to the timber business the lifting of the embargo on export would he a soeeial aid to assist in the general recovery which is now desired so urgently.