TIMBER PRODUCTION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 620, 26 August 1933, Page 4

TIMBER PRODUCTION

The statement- made to-day that the Raihvay . Departmont has decided to re-commence f ujltime operations at the Mamaku sawmifi is very gratifying local evidence of returning industrial activity. During the last four years the mill has been running four days a week on a l'imited output and consequently reduced wages distribution, and it is encouraging to know that conditions in the timber trade justify a return to normal production. Taken individually t.he operations at the mill have nq great bearing upon the .industrial position, but the change decided upon by a department which is careful' of its profits may be accepted as another indication of trade revival. It seems evident from reports coming to hand from all parts of the Dominion that the payment of the Government subsidy is stimulating interest in building. Whether the policy adopted is economicajly sound does not at the moment call for comment. The main point for consideration is that employment at other than relief wages is being provided for tradesmen in many of the towns of the Dominion, and although the number so far engaged is not large the numerous applications made for subsidies justify the hope that the unemployment registers will be relieved of many skilled workers during the next few months. The decision to increase the output of the State sawmill is a straw showing how the wind Tblows.