THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3177, 30 April 1909, Page 5

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

By Telegraph—Press Association. TAIHAPE, April 29. The Timber Commission concluded its sittings here last night. Mr Lundus, Crown Lands Ranger, covered new ground relative to the suitability of the Waimarino district for settlement, which would be greatly retarded if the bush was conserved for an indefinite period; it would also adversely affect railway traffic. Mr Bailey, sawmiller, considerep that the timber industry would be greatly assisted, and the price kept down, if branch Jines of railways were constructed to feed the Main Trunk. If the Government could not find money, private enterprise shoulp be allowed a concession in connection with the construction of lirud. Mr 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 of utilising local timber in preference to Oregon pine. His evidence lasted over three hours, and was not shaken in the least by severe cross-exami-nation. At the conclusion of the sitting, Mr Jennings, in moving a vote of thanks to the witnesses, who, he said, had made out a strong, solid, and reasonable fight for the protection of th.ir interests. Mr Bennett; in reply, thanked the Commission, and expressed appreciation of 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,