TIMBER COMMISSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9410, 2 April 1909, Page 5

TIMBER COMMISSION.

Per Press Association Dunedin-, April 3. At to-day’s sitting of the Timber Commission Edwin Broad, manager of Dunedin Timber Company, said that Dunedin timber merchants had to compete with Southland ‘sawmillers and although the price of red pine was IBs 6d per 100 feet less discount, they had to sell it at lls 6d to compete with Southland. Ten years ago tbe price was 10s. In reply to Mr Arnold, he said that he knew of no threat by Southland Sawmillors’ Association not to allow any of their mills to supply his or any firm. Dealing with outside mills be said he did not think unrestricted importation of timber would greatly stimulate the building trade. As a timber merchant witness was not particular whether tbe duty on Oregon was removed or not, but for the welfare of the community h© would like to see it retained. Witness paid 19s for kanri at Auckland and sold it in' Dunedin for 335, less discount. The difference was due to freight, harbour dues, cartage and waste in cutting it np. In reply to a question by Mr Field, witness said that if merchants charged 25 per cent additional on what they, paid for New Zealand timber it would cover freight, payment of men, rates and taxes, etc., and leave a margin of profit, but a very small msrgin indeed.