15

C.—3

Graph showing Regional Trend of Production of Rough Sawn Timber for Period 1895-1922. The average mill value (all species) for the year ended 31st March, 1923, was 20s. per 100 superficial feet, compared with 20s. 9d. per 100 superficial feet for the previous period. Export. During the year ended 31st December, 1923, 48,093,506 superficial feet of timber were exported, compared with 44,214,499 superficial feet during the previous period, representing an increase of 8-8 per cent. There was a noticeable increase in the shipments of rimu, beech, and " other " (New Zealand) timbers. Australia is absorbing large quantities each year of 0.8. matai, which has been a drug on the New Zealand market for some time. The average f.o.b. value (all species) for 1923 was only 19s. 7d. per 100 superficial feet, compared with 21s. 9d. per 100 superficial feet for the previous year. Kauri was the only species showing an increase in value, which amounted to Is. per 100 superficial feet. Beech decreased 2s. Bd. per 100 superficial feet in value over the same period. The export of kauri-gum has been maintained both, in quantity and value.

Graph showing Exports for Years ended 31st December, 1921-23.