TIMBER-PRICES AND TIMBER-WORKERS' WAGES (INCREASE OF) IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICT FOR YEARS 1901 TO 1913.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1913 Session I, H-36

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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

TIMBER-PRICES AND TIMBER-WORKERS' WAGES (INCREASE OF) IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICT FOR YEARS 1901 TO 1913.

Return to an Order of the Souse of Representatives dated the sth September, 1913. Oraered, " That there be laid before this House a return showing—(l) The average increase in the prioe of ordinary building-timber (kauri, totara, and rimu) for the years 1901 to 1913 in the Northern Industrial District; and (2) tha average increase of the timber-workers' wage for the same period and district."—(Mr. Ooatbs.)

Betubn to an Oedbb of the House of Representatives in eespbct to Timbee-peices and Wages of Woekees dubing the Peeiod 1901 - 1913 (Nobthebn Industeial Disteict).

(1.) The Average Increase in the Price of Ordinary Building-timber (Kauri, Totara, and Rimu) for the Years 1901 to 1913.

•From the report of the Commissioner of Grown Lands, Auckland, for 1911. The Commissioner stated, inter alia, that the prices quoted are for ordinary building-timber, undressed, up to 24 ft. long, § in. to 1 in. or more in thickness, and not exceeding 12 in. wide, at per 100 sup. ft. fFrom the evidence, Cost of Living Commission (page 360, Mr. W. B. Leyland). TOTABA AND BIMU.

No information available,

Date. First Class. Medium. Second Class. June, 1901* December, 1910* ... 1912+ s. a. 15 0 24 0 25 0 s. d. 12 6 18 6 19 6 s. d. 9 6 12 0 12 0 Increase since 1901 66f per. cent. 56 per cent. 26J per cent.

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(2.) The Average Increase of the Timber-workers' Wage for the same Period and District. The daily rates of pay of the principal workers, as stated in the various awards made in the industry, are set forth below (minimum rates only).

* The first award came into force on the 19th April, 1902.

It will be seen from the above statement that the minimum rate in the Northern District, under awards, has increased approximately by 6d. per day (= 6| per cent.) during the period of twelve years 1902-13. In giving evidence before the Cost of Living Commission in 1912 Mr. Leyland (p. 360) stated that the increase in the wages actually paid in the last six years to seventy-six men and boys at his town mill was £57 2s. 6d. per week, or 41 per cent. His bush wages ten years ago ranged from 355. to 455. per week and found (10s.), whilst in 1912 they ranged from 575. 6d. to 70s. and found (205.); this showed an increase of from 225. 6d. to 255. per week and found (10s.) = 67J per cent.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,500 copies), £1 15s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l3

Price. 3d.]

19th Api :il, 1902.* Existing Award ma* April, Bates. Iβ on 6th .911. Country. £fc£i <^- City and Suburban, 3reakdown saws 3irculars ?irst drag-bench iiecutters n charge jigger or log-frame Jog-getters ... ?irst saw-doctor Sngine-drivers, first-class certificate Engine-drivers, second-class certificate 31acksmiths tlill carpenter fardman Head Tail ... Head Tail ... Head Tail ... Head Tail ... Head ... Second Head s. d. 8 4 7 0 8 6 7 6 7 6 7 0 7 6 7 0 8 4 7 0 10 0 9 0 8 0 10 0 9 0 8 6 10 0 s. a. 8 0 7 0 8 6 7 6 7 6 7 0 7 6 7 0 s. d. 8 6 7 6 9 0 8 0 8 0 7 6 8 0 7 6 8 4 8 0 s. d. 8 6 7 6 9 0 8 0 8 9 7 6 8 0 7 6 7 0 10 0 9 0 8 0 8"'O 10 0 9 0 10 0 9 0 9 0 10 0 9 0