TIMBER COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 91, 13 May 1909, Page 2

TIMBER COMMISSION.

' 3y Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Wednesday. Before the Timber Commission, the Hon. E. Milchelson. representing Mitchelsoa and Co.. larg,, timber exporters, said the company had not paid a dividend for the last live years,'though last year they made a profit of 11'/. per cent, without allowing for depreciation, lie opposed nu export duty on kauri, which would close all the northern mills and throw a large number of men out of employment without cheapening timber, which was at bedrock prices now. It was the purest nonsense to talk of conservation of bush in view of the insecurity from fire risks. He denied that timber was re-exported 'from Australia at prices lower than charged here. He j thought the present duty on Oregon pine sufficient.

Auckland. Last Night. IT. P. Kavaiingh, timber expert, said the bush, especially kauri, was getting very remote. 'there wan not much chance of kauri falling in price. He expected lo see it up to C2 per 100 feci. At the present rate of consumption, he estimated .supplies of kauri would be exhausted in from six to seven years, and other timber on the present output would be exhausted ill 22 years. No lime should lie lost in afforestation. He did not favor imposing a duty on Oregon pine, believing we should import what timber win reipilrcd.

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