THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 78, 28 April 1909, Page 3

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

By Telegram-Press AwehttaJJ Wellington..Last MgM. The Timber Commission arrived at aiul opened .touting* this morning Kv.<»«*•,£ ™v sleepers. consule, d m JrV were eharging af«»,F« l ™ berr also that the Association »as not penalising, the ■P» u ' c -.., r , T , al , ti ,,; ' Air. Punch, a sawmiller, oi Lacti i. who supplied the local trade, said he comidt'ed the miller, had a grievance Snst the Government over railway freW He advocated a branch line froroObaknnc to Raetihi. The importa- • 7of Oregon timber had helped to ;•':.;«»■ the industry. If the present state of affairs continued, the industry vouhl he paralysed. The cost o F«Stoa increased as the bush got for"trntmman. owning . large mill afOhakune. gave" lengthy evidence, chiefly directed against Oregon. He put i„ numerous American papers showing details of the lumlier trade, he cost of production, ami the nature of labor employed, etc. He fully explained the cost of production m Rangitikei, and said the industry was greatly handicapped by Oregon, and by existing railway freights. He strongly condemned the Government valuers, whom he blamed for high prices. The increased prices of timber only meant £lO on a six-room-ed house. Oregon had failed to reduce building prices. More duty on Oregon would have a 'far-reaching effect, and would b e of benefit to the industry. Royalties and freight were far too high, A duty on a sliding scale would be a fair thing. There had been no over-produc-tion here. . .

After luncheon, the Commission proceeded to inspect two samples of bush. one «howing the effects of fires sweeping through, and the other the difficulties of transit. Further evidence was taktm by the Commission this evening.