N.Z. TIMBER

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1928, Page 4

N.Z. TIMBER

GOYERNM ENT POLICY EXPLAINED. WELLINGTON, May 11. The Hon. Air llawken (Commissioner of State Forests) stated to-day that some misapprehension had arisen as to the purpose and effect of the recent Order-in-Council revoking the regulations of the years 1918, 1919, 1922. and 1025 by force of which the exportation of timber from New Zealand was restricted. “The policy of the Government,” styid Mr Ha when, “has been that the native forests should lie conserved for the use of the people of New Zealand. That policy continues, and the removal of the restrictions must he looked upon as a temporary expedient with the object of, firstly, enabling the disposal in Australian and other markets of the large stocks of timber which have accumulated at New Zealand mills consequent on the diminution in the demand for building purposes, : and. secondly, enabling sawmill workers to find present employment to a much larger extent than has lately been possible." Continuing the Commissioner pointed out that cheaper imported timbers, such as redwood and red cedar, have lately been found to he suit•alilp for a number of purposes for which, some of oar best timbers were formerly used, but, nevertheless, the available supply oi most of our more valuable woods is now so limited that (he Government (annot contemplate tlie permanent unrestricted sale of these timbers in outside markets, more especially as it is evident from the returns that the extra Customs duty imposed on imported timbers is having the effect of steadying importations.

•‘All engaged in the trade,” concluded Mr Hawken, “must, therefore, understand that it will he necessary for the position to be reviewed by the Government from time to time as conditions now existent become changed. and in 'making commitments must keep this in mind.”