THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1921, Page 4

THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. ■ By Telegrajih—Press Association f Wellington, Last Night. That the Government has not been securing the best return for tho mdnej' employed in the purchase of timber was the main argument advanced by a deputation from the Timber Workers’ Federation which waited on the Minister or Labor to-day. The deputation felt that money could be saved if the Government purchased from merchants instead of millers. Answering points made, the Minister said regarding Government house-build-ing that the Government had. done its best with the means at its disposal. Houses had been built at anything from £2OO to £3OO cheaper than private enterprise or local bodies were able to build He did not agree there was less waste in small contracts than large ones. If they had to enter another big building scheme they would go to the large contracts first in a thoroughly financial position. Merchants had not been able to supply timber when it was wanted, and it was no use them coming along and saying they had plent;/ now. Regarding the duty on oak, hv did not think it mattered much one way or the other, but he was in favour of taxing all luxuries. As to preference to unionists, ho repeated his statement in the House and said there would be as many strikes without preference as there were at present. Tho matter however, was under consideration.