THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9414, 7 April 1909, Page 5

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

rress Association. Christchurch, April 7,

The Timber Commission resumed to-day. William Goss gave evidence and said that he had made a return of prices at various times back to 1874, In that year the price of red pine was 17 and 18 shillings when timber was being obtained at Bank’s Peninsula. During the past three years his business bad decreased. He bad a sawmill of bis own and he was interested in others, on the West Coast. The slump in sawmilling had been gradual locally, and Oregon pine had replaced red pine foot for foot He was not making the profit he should make on the amount of capital he had invested, and his business was not successful.

In replying to several questions, he said anyone could purchase timber from him. On account of risk of fire it was better to use timber as it was needed. He favoured the Government conserving timber lands it it could be done' without danger »of fire. per cent was the maximum amount of good timber that could be obtained from red pine logs. Oregon pine was not required in Christchurch. Men at the present time were not forking as well as men did in the past, and there was not the same output of work. Mr Jennings, M.P., asked if Mr Goes ; thought the race was degenerating Wherever he (Mr Jennings) had been in Australia and America, ho found New Zealanders holding pride of position as workmen.