SAWMILLING INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 222, 25 October 1909, Page 4

SAWMILLING INDUSTRY.

THE COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Oct. 23

A deputation representing the sawmilling industry waited on the Premier to-day to point out an anomaly in the report of the Timber Commission regarding the proposed alterations in the Customs duty on Oregon timber. The spokesmen were Messrs. Bennett (Rangitikei), Voider (South Auckland), and Gamman (Main Trunk Line).

The point urged was that while in general sawmillers approved of the recommendations of the Commission, yet the result of the recommendations with regard to duties on Oregon, if given effect to, would be that sawmillere, instead of receiving further protection, would bo in a worse position than under the present conditions. The Commission had recommended an increase to 3s duty on small sizes, and the bulk sizes be admitted duty free, Should this be done all Oregon would be imported in 'bulk and cut ; into ordinary building lengths on arrival. The Hon. M. Guinness and Mr. Field, M.P.s, urged that safeguards should be placed against the evasion of the duty. The Premier said the Cabinet had not yet arrived at any decision on the Commission's report. Tho Government would carefully consider the important recommendations made therein, and the deputation could depend on it that the j decision would not be one that would prove injurious to the timber industry. The deputations subsequently waited on the Minister for Customs and received a similar reply.