Sawmilling Section.

Progress, Volume XVI, Issue 3, 1 November 1920, Page 64

Sawmilling Section.

[This Section is published by arrangement with the Dominion Federated Sawmillers* Association (Incorp.) in the interests of the Sawmilling Industry of N.Z.] Editor: IRVINE.

The increase of the butter subsidy in order to allow the public to purchase at 2s. 3d. per lb. retail, although the export value of this commodity has now risen to 2s. iod. per lb., is doubtless a sop to the worker in the face of the threats made by the transport unions to hold its shipment up. That the compensation to be paid suppliers out of the Consolidated Fund will probably reach £600,000 will not come as a surprise—but the principle involved in its payment is surely economically unsound, and if made applicable to the dairy industry why should it stop there? We have repeatedly contrasted this position with that of the sawmiller, who is restricted in price locally and limited as to the quantity of timber he may export, even if the overseas market gives him a better return than the local price. It is difficult to understand the anomaly of the position into which we have drifted unless on the grounds of the various war regulations and enactments that were deemed to be necessary during the war period. It may be said that many articles of commerce are regulated still as to selling price—such as coal, flour, benzine, cement, etc., whilst the Industries and Commerce Act gives the Board of Trade extensive powers to inquire into any article it may deem to be sold at an unreasonable profit. The public cry that export of building timber was the cause of the local shortage has been effectually silenced by the publication of the Board of Trade returns for the past year, which show that only some 5 per cent, of the production of building timber was exported to sawmillers, who have loyally endeavoured to meet the demand for domestic requirements in the face of great difficulties. Sawmillers do not look for a subsidy to compensate them for the difference between export and local prices, but they consider it only reasonable and just that in fixing. ..local prices regard should be paid to the ruling prices for export. They are in a hopeless minority in the House of Representatives as compared with the farmer, but it is surely unfair to compel them to contribute by heavy taxation towards the payment of this £600,000 and at the same time hedge them round with limitations and restrictions regarding the sale of their own product—timber—and so compel them to become philanthropists for the benefit of the community. What is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander in the case of the sawmiller. * * * At the annual general meeting of the New Zealand Employers' Federation several remits of considerable importance came up for discussion, amongst which was the question of preference to unionists. As originally intended, the unions, comprising the workers in any industry, were formed for the pro-

tection of those engaged in the industry, to ensure them a living wage, and proper working conditions, but of late they have drifted into political organisations, and, as is well known, agitators have encouraged the breaking of agreements made with employers, and in many cases " direct action " is advocated. Many employers are therefore now of opinion if such tactics are not to be permitted to grow in strength, legislation should be introduced to declare preference to unionists " illegal, and in this connection it Was believed • the repeal of the Labour Disputes Investigation Act should be brought about, and the upholding of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act firmly maintained. A further remit of importance was " That the Government be urged to introduce a national superannuation scheme and to consider the practicability of including insurance against sickness and accident in such scheme," which was unanimously approved by the meeting. ; # *■•'*-.'. . . The shortage of trucks has been again very acute along the Main Trunk line, and this condition will probably be accentuated with- the approach of the wool season, causing friction and loss to the sawmiller. The matter has been brought so often under the notice of the Minister for Railways and the General Manager that we fear little can be done to relieve the position until the new trucks under construction and being imported are brought into commission. ** * * We regret to learn of the accident at Messrs. Ellis and. Burnand's mill, Manunui, which was however fortunately without loss of life. It appears a large fly wheel flew in pieces and wrecked the engine plant, which will be difficult to replace. This is all the more embarrassing in the height of the season, when a full output of pine for butter boxes is required, and although such losses are, of course, a debit against current revenue, they suggest an additional unknown item that might properly be considered part of the cost of production, just as the risk of fire occurring in standing timber may also be accounted a legitimate charge. -* * * * ■; ' ' . 1 We learn the Government has chartered three coastal vessels to bring timber from the West Coast and North Auckland to Miramar for the housing scheme. The shortage of shipping has been the principal drawback in connection with supplies reaching the Wellington market, but this move should help the position materially.