TIMBER EXPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1928, Page 4

TIMBER EXPORT

RESTRICTIONS ENDED

SADYDIILLEitS Git ATI lIED

CHIU STCHURCH, Dluy 7

Gratification is expressed by Dir Arthur Seed, secretary of the Dominion Federated Sawmillers’ Association, at the action of the Government in removing the restrictions on the export of New Zealand timber, as announced ,bv “Gazette” notice. ,

Mr Seed stated on Saturday (says the “Post)” that the removal of the restrictions would probably help to restore confidence on the part of the Australian users and purchasers in the matter of continuity of New Zealand supplies, which was a big facto* in the establishment of a market. There was no doubt that at the time the restrictions were imposed, during a period of world shortage of timber-, the position was such that in the light of the information then available, tin Government’s action was wise !n»u the point of .view of security of ‘la Dominion’s future timber supplies. At that time Australia could not prneur* timber from Baltic or Pacific bo.i-l sources, except at prohibitive o»sl. both of those sources then being unable to meet the demands of their nwi more immediate markets. t ease quently a good deal of utieiiikm "'»■ paid by Australian timber interest:to the possibility of securing areas o New Zealand forests for the espies purpose of exploiting to meet Antralian demands. Also at that linn no definite inventory had been takei of the remaining sources of timber ii New Zealand. Consequently Hu Government was wise in taking step; to prevent Australia from moppin/ up any large area- of our reniainin; forests.

SECT It E FOB ALL TTDfE. “■Since that time, however,” sail .Ur Heed, “the situation has outirel,' changed, and, according to the in vent-ary taken by the State Forest Ser vice and in view of the omirmoiii afforestation activities in New Zea land, there is not the slightest doubt that' the Dominion is now secure ii respect to its own timber supplies foi all time, and that probably it wil develop into one of the main sources of production of timber and forest produce, such as wood pulp, etc. in the world. Also, the alleged world-wide timber famine bogey has been very definitely laid to rest. Any stops, therefore, that can now be taken P assist i'n restoring the New Zeal a,m timber industry to a reasonably prosperous state will be of materia.! hol| in the financial recovery of the Do minion besides providing assured aven lies of absorption for the unemployed.” THE PRICE QUESTION.

Asked if there was any prospect o' timber prices being increased in Nov Zealand as a result, of the removal o' the restrictions, Dir Seed said that, ac cording to his estimate of the si tiui tion, the development of a hoiltlr timber exp.-art trade was not at a,I likely to increase leeal timber prices Indeed, lie thought the tendency would lie quite the reverse, for if tin mills were thereby enabled to work a J full capacity their cost of production naturally would he reduced, and flint certainly would not mean dearer till' her to the people.