THE TIMBER QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 187, 29 July 1908, Page 2

THE TIMBER QUESTION.

OREGON PINE COMPETITION. DEPUTATION To"THE PREMIER. ROYAL COMMISSION SUGGESTED. 13y Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Tuesday. A deputation representing the New Zealand Federated Builders' and Contractors' Association waited on the Premier to-day. Mr. Uenuett, the president, stated that months ago the builders had urged on Mr. Millar the advisahleness of removing the duty oil Oregon pine. Oregon would not displace New Zealand timber, but it was essential for some classes Of work. Builders now wanted the importation of Oregon to be maintained on the existing basis. Mr. Russell, another member of tlw deputation, said it was almost impossible to get kauri timber. The Premier said tnat in the course of a few days the merchants would interview him. It was only right that be should hear the three sides —the millers', tin; merchants', and the contractors'. The Government would like to arrive at the cause of the tremendous increase in the price of building in New Zealand. There could be little doubt that the increase in the price of timber did not account for the increase in the cost of building. The Government desired to ascertain whether somebody was making extortionate profits out of tlie raw material and so materially al- | fecting rents throughout the Dominion. The matter must be gone into thoroughly with a view to making arrangements to remove the diflicuity and at tho same lima to infuse new vitality into the building trade. If the Government put a high import duty on Oregon pine, it would necessarily raise the question of putting an export duty ou timbers from New Zealand. The case might call for the appointment of a Royal Commission.