THE TIMBER COMMISSION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 80, 30 April 1909, Page 2

THE TIMBER COMMISSION

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Taihape, Last Night. The Timber Commission concluded its sittings here last night. Most of the evidence was a reiteration of the previous testimony. Mr. Lundius, Crown Lands Ranger, covered new ground relative to the suitability of the Waimarino district for settlement, which would be greatly retarded if the busli were conserved for an indefinite period. Tt, would also adversely affect the railway traffic. Mr. Bailey, a sawmiller. considered the timber industry would be greatly assisted and the price kept down if branch lines of railways were constructed to feed the Main Trunk. If the Government could not find the money, private enterprise shrould he allowed a, concession on the construction. H. D. Bennett, chairman of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce, gave very important evidence, detailing in a comprehensive way the circumstances relating to the sawmilling industry, and the necessity for utilising local timber in lire- ] ference to Oregon. His evidence lasted over three hours, and was not shaken in the least by severe cross-examination. At the conclusion of the sitting, Mr. Jennings, in moving a vote of thanks to the witnesses, said they had made out a strong, solid and reasonable fight ior the protection of their interests. Mr. Bennetl, in reply, thanked the Commission and expressed his appreciation ot the treatment of witnesses. The chairman also expressed the opinion that valuable evidence had been obtained at Taihape. The Commission left this morning to visit Ohakune and Waimarino.