RISE IN TIMBER.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 308, 3 October 1929, Page 1

RISE IN TIMBER.

FARMERS PROTEST. Cause of Increase. Mr. B. Dennis, Tirau, in referring to the new classification of timber, at the sub-provincial meeting of farmers, stated that he was informed that the new prices meant an increase of 10s per 100 feet when estimates for buildings were being prepared. For school and such-like buildings, where heart was- specified an additional 30s per 100 feet had to be allowed. There was a rise of 18s in matai weather

boarding. Mr. Robinson stated that Mr. Seed, the secretary of the Sawmillers’ Association, had definitely stated there j would be no rise. I Mr. Nicklin stated that the rise (had been brought about by an alteration in the grading of timber by ■pushings tftfe "grades up. This automatically increased the price. A further increase was the addition of Is 3d per 100 feet to all those who came to the mill for supplies. Mr. Dennis added that all timber must now be ordered from the association, and additional freight had to be paid at times because orders were allocated to mills by turn, irrespective of where the order came from. Mr. Allen stated that the combine had done away with 25 travellers, so they profited both ways. (Laughter). Mr. Dennis: You can buy kauri timber cheaper in Australia than you can in New’ Zealand. Mr. Prowse: A man should be able to get his timber from the nearest mill. He should not be made to pay freight from Raurimu or Taumarunui.

Mr. Allen: They can not get away from the increased cost on a whole house. I think we should forward particulars to our member in the House. . On the motion of Messrs. Allen and Nicklin, it was decided to forward particulars to Messrs. H. M: Rushworth and C. H. Clinkard, M.’s P. Mr. Nicklin suggested that a protest be also sent to the Government. Mr. Seed had made a definite statement that no increase in price would be made, and now they had definite information that an increase had been made.