THE TIMBER DUTIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2635, 18 October 1909, Page 7

THE TIMBER DUTIES.

GENERAL APPROVAL IN AUCIC LAND.

That the report of the Timber Commission . has met with much approval .at Auckland was ascertained by a “New Zealand Herald” representative. It was generally agreed by merchants that the recommendations, as a whole, are calculated to foster the timber industry of New Zealand, particularly the imposition of new duties upon Oregon timber. Mr. S. Milroy, secretary of the Kauri Timber Company, however, referred «) an “apparent absurdity” in the proposed duties on Oregon. “While the Commission ” said Mr. Milroy, “propose a j duty of 2s per 100 superficial feet on 18ft lengths of Oregon, they agree that 36ft lengths should be admitted free. The cost of dividing these latter sizes after importation from,America is very trifling, so what is to prevent all the Oregon being brought over in long lengths and cut to requirements here?” Mr. Milroy did not, however, anticipate a phenomenal increase in Oregon imports. A slump on the American markets had been responsible for its introduction to New Zealand a couple of years ago, and last yehr the effects of the depression were still felt to a certain extent. With a revival of American trade, however, millers in that part of the world would not have the same necessity to seek markets.abroad. The drawing .of timber supplies from outside countries necessarily meant a I lesser expenditure among New Zealand workers, and the loss, in this respect during the past 15 months had amounted to several thousands of pounds. There was, therefore, more satisfaction, and. benefit from, a national point of view in dealing in New Zealand timbers.

Other millers hinted at the possibility of the generab importation of long lengths of Oregan, for the purpose of being cut into suitable lengths at local mills. “That is what we will probably do after a while,” ono of the number remarked. The Hon. E. Mitchelson said he had not yet had time to consider the Commission’s report, as summarised in the “Hera'd,” but the recommendations for a differentiation in the new duties proposed to bo placed on- the various sizes of Oregon were in accordance with the suggestions contained in his evidence before the Commission. If they were given effect to, be considered it would be a very good thing for the industry. Mr. Mitchelson thought it would only be a matter of time before New Zealand would be importing Oregon altogether.