THE MAIN TRUNK FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 5

THE MAIN TRUNK FIRE.

TIMBER PRICES UNALTERED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Taihape, March 26. Great uneasiness is felt in the Main Trunk fire areas that the prices of timber will be increased owing to the almost clean sweep of the sawmills. The settlers appealed to Mr. R. W. Smith, MP for Waimarino. He yesterday waited on Mr. M. M. Carpenter, manager of tho Rangitikei Sawjnillers' Association, who assured Mr. Smith that the local sawmillers would not take such a mean advantage, and timber prices would not be increased. The reconstruction of tl» sawmills in the Main Trunk fire areas ■ would bo prosecuted energetically, providing ample work for all hands- The mills would all be in full operation within two months. RELIEF MEASURES. Wellington, Last Night. The Minister of Lands is on his way to tho Baetihi district to set in motion the machinery for affording relief to the settlers who suffered from tho recent bush fires. The scheme is to supply, on liberal terms, grass seed, fencing material, etc. Mr. Sandford, a Lands Department officer, will Ibe stationed in the district for a time, and it; is lieing arranged that all authorised supplied shall be made through him in an expeditious manner. Mr. fjuthrie states that tho Government highly appreciates the splendid response from all parts of the Dominion in the interests of the settlers affected by the fire. PALMERSTON'S HELP. Palmerston N., March 2(1. Subscriptions in Palmerston in aid of the sufferers by the hush fires on tho Main Trunk line already total £BOO.