THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 378, 4 September 1908, Page 3

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

(to thb EDITOB.) Sib, —Owing to the importance of th. saw-milling development of this district will you kindly insert the following letter* in your paper. Being one of the pioneers of the district, which had in view the utilisation of the splendid milling timber, you will I am sure allow me to add a few remarks on the vital question of the importation of soft w ods to take th place of our 0.8, timber : ''Fifteen years in i »y case has been a long time to wait, and 1 know of two cases of twenty-on» .'ears,and although the railway has reached the dis iric% there is still a duubl-- charge on the port that is in the hands of the 1 üblio W< rks Department between Ohakuneand Waiorn, which has practically barred O W timber being eent be) end Marton at a profit. This by the way has been the m**<»ns of an increase in prices to some extent as many of the millers in other districts rad serious lo ses by fire during the past d> y season, the ha >- dicap by freight gave them the means to recoup their losaec to some extent. Our greatest difficulty seems to be with our 0.8. timber which threatens to ba subetitr.ted in our chief centres by Oregon pine, which has not the strength of our rimu, the principle timber that we have to deal with, Oregon pine may be easier to work, and builders may give it preference on that ac count. M Ilers cannot cut the heart of trees and throw aside the sap which would be on a par with one wilful waste bo common in the past and is at tne present time going on too a lar. e e x? ent, more e pecially with native le-.sea of heavy muling bush. The tunbe. question for cownspoop e, those employed in ctawm> L, and otuimss people is au important question at the pioeeut sime We have evid nces where large blocks of land have been re ieaeed by the Government which would have maintained a large number ot settlers who understood agriculture, now that we have the railway fa ilitiea for carrying artificial manuie. I refer to the Murimnto Plaine, On most of this land there is no clearing to be done, and settlers would rave got quick returns. I have seen evidences of wnat it will grow in clovers, deeprooting grasses, ve K etab’es, root crops and oau, ano I have the testimony of Mr Bell, who took up 60,000 ac-es, that he concurs with my idea, and informed* me that he made a profit of £16,000 during the two years he held the land. If this could be cone in its present condition, what would the results be with systematic farming ? By artificial manuring of root crops and well sowing with suitable grasses, planting large belts of shelter, the carrying capacity of this land could be increased tenfold. One great drawback of this land being released in such large areas is the fact, that by the time the lease has expired there will be no timber in the district for fencing. While this has been going on, settlers have been put on bush land, and compelled to destroy the bush, which in many cases is the best crop the land will grow, and the timber of which will be required for future use. A remit was brought before the Farmers’ Union Dominion Con Terence, that the duty be taken off imported timber, 1 wired the delegate from this district asking him to oppose what was against Che interests of the Kangitikei and Taumarunm electorates, and wrote to the Farmers* Union Dominion Executive as follows —"As the question of duty on importedtimber is to be discussed, I shall be pleased if yeu can see your way to urge Government to reduce long distance rates on timber. Thia is especially needed for 0.8. timber as at the present time our mills are a long way from the cities. Freight from Ohakune to Wellington is about double that on Oregon pine from America, and often on unfinished parts of our railway line, double freight is charged. Considering the advantage it is m heavy bush country to have the timber removed before being felled and grassed, and the difference it makes to successful farming (from a farming standpoint) you will see the importance of not having the milling industry hampered. It wll be impossible tor mills to supply heart as required for ,the cities if Oregon pine leal lowed to supplant our O b timber, Now that settlement has taken place in many of our bush districts, it will be a race between null apd file, and a few seasons like the last would leave very little milling timOer in many ot our bush districts.” Ain very pleased to see that motion was kso, and that sups were to be taken towards getting long uisiauce railage rates reduced,—Yours, etc., W. T. BOWATEB, Feild ng, 30/8/03,