THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2463, 30 March 1909, Page 5

THE TIMBER COMMISSION.

EVIDENCE AT INVERCARGILL

[Per Press Association.]

INVERCARGILL, March 29,

Tlie Timber Commission sat all day hearing four witnesses. W: H. Brent, sawmiller, and president of the Sawmillers’ Association, thought it important that the- importation of Oregon pne should be retarded, and suggested a lighter duty on heavy timber, because it was such as could not be produced in the Dominion, and was wanted for building. Heavy duties should be placed on lighter timber. Tlie Government could greatly relieve the sawmillers by extending the bush areas that could be held, so that mills could be assured of longefr life. Millers could then adopt improved methods by which the cost of production could be lowered. During recent years the increased cost of timber for house-building was only about Is per hundred feet, and he would lie astonished to hear that such a light increase had caused capitalists to refrain from investing money in housebuilding. Andrew Bain, president of the Builders’ Association, stated that the rise in the price of timber had made a difference of .at least £SO or £6O in the cost of a four or five-roomed cottage. The price for rough rimu had risen during the last 20 years from 3s 9d to 10s 6d per 100 ft. " Builders stoutly opposed any increased duty on Oregon pine, because it was necessary, being lighter and more durable than red pine, and because builders got it seasoned, and it was impossible to get red pine not green. He contended that the Sawmillers’ Association had been formed to raise prices, and had done so.