THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 79, 29 April 1909, Page 2

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

OREGON AND KIMU.

By Telegraph.—Presa Association, Tailiape, Wednesday

At tlic Timber Commission ilr. flamlimn- ostimatvd the life of the Xorth Island forests at all years. The millers oll'ercd to let the Clovornmoiit iix a price for timber. Royalties and freight were already fixed and it might he. as well to fix 'the price. At least £7500 had boon lost to tire country by tlie present war between Oregon and vimn, some of which was sold below the cost. If Oregon were predominant 5000 men would be displaced. The quantity or timber in the ■Waimarhio forest was overestimated. He calculated it at 15,000 feet an acre and said a fair net profit to millers was 12'/ 2 per cent. Hisks of fire, he added, were very great. Mr. Laird, the next witness, considered the rise in the cost of building was due to other expenses than timber. The millers were ,lo t making any profits, orders having fallen off fifty per cent. Architvets and especially the f!o----vernment \vcr L , specifying Oregon. He favored a duty on all imported timber and suggested Is for smaller Oregon. If Oregon were lowered many millers would go under. About CO per ecnti of the men were out of employment during tile last twelve months. The royalties were too heavy and allowance ought to be made in roiigh country. Oregon had not cheapened the cost ot building. Sawmilling paid the largest wages of any industry, Heart of ritmi was more durable than heart of Oregon. Protection duty did not proteet"nmi was no good.