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" We also find that, before any success can hope to be obtained in exporting timber to foreign countries, it must be thoroughly seasoned, and to do this a very considerable outlay has to be incurred for drying-sheds. To partially recoup sawmillers for this large outlay, we suggest that timber so treated should be carried under Class Q. " We also request that, where green timber has to be railed for drying-sheds, the charges be held over until the timber is removed from the sheds for export. " That the Government be request to retain a sufficient number of flat trucks for the timber business, as being the most convenient for loading." Mr. Leyland (Auckland) moved that this clause be adopted as read.—Agreed. Local Timber Trade. Clause 1 : " Becommended, That the Government be requested to establish a Timber Industry Board, with annual sittings in Wellington ; such Board to consist of delegates from sawmillers and timber-merchants, and also one or more representatives of the Government. The constitution of this Board would greatly stimulate the formation of local associations in the various timber districts, thereby bringing all engaged in the industry in close touch with the Government, and with one another." —Adopted. Clause 2: "That, whereas sawmillers in many cases experience great difficulties in obtaining tramway rights along public roads and through private lands, the Government be requested to introduce a measure dealing with the matter ; and, in the case of Crown lands, extending the present term of five years to twenty-one years if required, and that any future sales of Crown lands likely to be effected should be made subject to tramway rights."—Adopted. Clause 3: "The various sizes of timber specified by different architects and builders is a source of great loss to the sawmillers ; and we would suggest that a conference of architects be called to determine a stock list of sizes of timber ; and we would also suggest that the sawmillers at the present Conference take steps to obtain uniform patterns of flooring and lining." —Adopted. Clause 4 : " The Committee consider that a special telegraph code would be of great assistance to the trade." Mr. Trapp (Auckland) : Mr. Chairman, I think sawmillers ought to make out their own code; and to have a universal one throughout the whole of New Zealand is asking the' Government to do something that would not cost them a night's work. Clause 4 withdrawn. Clause 5 : " Becommended, That, with a view to the introduction of improved machinery, steps be taken to obtain and distribute among sawmillers all information relating to same." —Adopted. Clause 6 : " Becommended, That the Government be advised to admit all sawmilling machinery duty-free." Mr. Trapp (Auckland) : I think, gentlemen, that you ought to consider if there is any duty on timber coming into New Zealand. You want to be protected against that, and yet you do not want to protect your ironfounders and others. If you are going to ask for your machinery to be admitted free, you should certainly ask the Government to take off the duty on imported timber at the same time. This machinery, of course, you will import; but ought not you to give some preference to your local people ? Mr. 11. W. Smith (Auckland) asked to withdraw this clause, which was agreed to. The report as amended was then adopted. Telegram. Mr. Butler (Westland) : Mr. Chairman, I have received a telegram from my partner, which I will read to the Conference, and which I think might be recorded :— " Joseph Butler, City Buffet, Wellington. " Suggest Timber Trade Journal be issued under Industrial Department. " Butler, Stillwater." By-products Committee. Mr. Lightband (Nelson), Chairman, brought up the report of the Committee, which is as follows :— Your committee beg to report as follows : — 1. As regards the production of bark, a close season for cutting timber would seriously affect this industry, as the stripping season commences in October and terminates at end of January. The only barks that are in demand, and can be obtained in commercial quantities, are the blackand brown-birch (Fagus fusca), sometimes known as the tooth-leaf beech, and the towai and tawhero. We find that these barks have been tested here, and are highly approved for the manufacturing of upper-leather. Be haulage of bark, we find the Government are already treating this matter in a liberal spirit. 2. That the Government be requested to place, say, five tons on the London market, through Messrs. Powell, of London, and Messrs. Paul, of Leeds, in order to test its value in the English markets. 3. In regard to tree-planting, the wattle is strongly recommended as suitable for planting in the North Island only, the South Island being unsuitable from its colder climate, the winter frosts killing the trees before they can arrive at the age and size to pay for stripping. 4. Wood-pulp. —This industry could not be carried on at a profit under present circumstances. A pulp-mill to make 10 tons of pulp per day would cost, erected in New Zealand, from £30,000 to £40,000, and, as the pulp when manufactured would have to be shipped to foreign markets, where labour and the cost of machinery would be considerably cheaper than here, its manufacture in this colony could only result in a loss.