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Various factors contributed to the increased prices sanctioned by the Board of Trade during the year. Mention has already been made of the trend of labour conditions ; ra.il charges have increased (Auckland, Is. per LOO sup. ft., and Greymouth-Hokitika, 6d.) ; and in addition an advance of Is. per LOO sup. ft. was allowed for dressing, provided that it did not raise the average cost above 4s. per 100 sup. ft. Following are the other increases (per 100 sup. ft.): — Rimu, Matai, and Totara: — „ Ordinary-building ...... iioart - (lass. 1)l8tnot - 8. d. s. d. Auckland.. .. .. .. .. ..5 0 10 Waikato .. .. .. .. . . .. 2 (i 2 0 Rangitikei .. .. .. .. ..2 6 2 0 Greymouth-Hokitika .. .. .. ..16 1 6 Southland-Otago .. .. .. .. ..16 16 Kauri: First class and heart, 4s. 6d. ; medium and second class, 4s. In January, 1921, a new class of kauri, known as " clean heart," was approved at a price of 10s. extra on first-class prices. Trade Extension. The specialized uses of many of the minor timbers are now becoming more, generally known. Already an increased demand is noticeable as a result of the Forest Service's educal ional work amongst the wood-using industries. Particular attention has been paid to the value of our native timbers in the manufacture of carriage-parts, tool-handles, &c, and such encouragement met with that the work will be carried on in a more extensive manner this coming year. The manufacture of such articles as laths, shingles, clothes-pegs, tool-handles, &c, which at present arc imported into the Dominion, offers good opportunities for the establishment of new industries.

Sir David Hutchins. This great master of silviculture and forestry in general passed away during the year in Wellington after a brief illness. His life was full of achievement, and he has left behind him a monument which will stand for all time. This memorial is not built of stone, but of something more lasting anil useful in the record of achievements and knowledge of nature which has contributed to man's progress and the betterment of civilization. Sir David deserved well of humanity. British Empire Forestry Conference. At the instigation of the chairman (Lord Lovat) and the members of the British Forest Commission a very important assembly of administrative forest officers and others from every part of the British Empire was held in London during .July, 1920. New Zealand was represented by Sir Thomas Mackenzie, G.C.M.G., High Commissioner of New Zealand. The chief object of the conference was to