THE SAWMILLING INDUSTRY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2641, 25 October 1909, Page 5

THE SAWMILLING INDUSTRY

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. [Per Piuses Association.! WELLINGTON, Oct. 23. A deputation representing the sawmilling industry waited on the Premier to-day to point out an anomaly in the report of tho Timber Commission regarding the proposed alteration in tho ustoms charges only on Oregon timber. The spokesmen were Messrs Bennett (Rangitikei), Valder (South Auckland), and Gamman (Main Trunk line). The point was urged that while in general sawmillers approved of the recommendations of the Commission, yet the result of the recommendations in regard to the duties on Oregon, if given effect to, would be that sawmillers, instead of securing further protection, ivould be in a worse position than under present conditions. The Commission had recommended an increase to 3s duty on small sizes, and that bulk sizes be admitted duty free. Should this he done, all Oregon would be imported in bulk and cut into ordinary lengths on arrival. The Hon. A. R. Guinness and Mr. Field, M.P., urged that a safeguard should be placed against evasion of duty. _ The Premier said that the Cabinet had not yet arrived at any decision on the Commission’s Teport. Government would carefully consider tho important recommendations made therein, and the deputation could depend on it that the decision would not bo one which would prove injurious to the timber industry. r .. . \ • The deputation subseancntly waited on the Minister of Customs and received a similar feply.