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abroad, in such a case—l mean there would be nothing outrageous in it?— Certainly he would be within his rights. 123. With regard to the burning of timber on private lands—lands independent of State forests—do you think there are any settlers in this Dominion so foolish as to burn good red-pine nowadays?—l do not know, I am sure. 124. As to the facilities for obtaining supplies here, supposing you wished to get your supplies from any one outside the Sawmillers' Association or the Timber-merchants' Association, would you expect any difficulty in getting a good reliable supply of stuff? —I never tried it. 125. Is that because from your own common-sense knowledge of the trade you would be courting trouble if you did try ?—We have reason to believe that we should be better treated by the merchants than if we went to the miller. 126. Mr. Morris.] You told us, Mr. Taylor, that there was sufficient room for both timbers in this market? —Yes. 127. You consider rimu for finishing-work preferable to anything else? —Preferable to Oregon, but not to anything else. Oregon is no use for finishing. 128. With regard to rimu, there is only about 25 to 30 per cent, fit for the finer work, and 1 want to know what you are going to do with the remainder if you use Oregon—that is, for purposes that this rougher class of rimu is specially suited for? —The great percentage of rimu is suitable. Even the dull-coloured unfigured stuff is suitable for anything. 129. The rough heart of the tree, as long as it is sound timber, is quite suitable for framingwork?—Yes. 130. And strong enough for all practical purposes?— Yes, but it is not as good as Oregon. 131. Not as good as Oregon? —No. 132. I think that must be your opinion?—l am giving you my opinion. 133. With regard to the tests spoken of by Mr. Field as between rimu and Oregon, in which the rimu stood over 3,000 lb. more than Oregon under an hydraulic jack, and did not break, whilst the Oregon gave way at 3,000 lb. less, do you know whether the architects specify for an increased number of joists when erecting buildings of Oregon instead of rimu ? —No, it is the other way. They generally consider that Oregon is stronger than rimu, notwithstanding the test that has been cited. 134. Would it surprise you to learn that they place alternately Oregon and rimu, because they say the rimu is the strongest?—l am not surprised at anything a man may do. Men have their fancies. 135. I suppose your fancy is not due to this being foreign lumber? —No. I have had long experience in connection with Oregon. 136. Have you ever experienced any serious trouble in obtaining a 12 by 2 or a 12 by 3?— They are not stocked in Christohurch. They are difficult to get. On almost every occasion the order has to go direct to the bush, and generally you have to wait a fortnight or three weeks before you are supplied. When it comes to hand it is not difficult to imagine what this green stuff is like. It is hard to handle. 137. Speaking of the colony as a whole, do you think it advisable to import Oregon here?— Yes. 138. Rimu is not so difficult to drive nails in as Oregon?—l think, from a contractor's standpoint, Oregon is a superior timber to work. 139. There are a great number of people employed in the timber industry?— Yes, but you must remember that the public are also a considerable number. Further, there would be a considerable amount of wages paid away for the manipulation and handling of this Oregon if it came in in bulk. 140. I believe myself that if Oregon was restricted to large sizes and long lengths I do not think the millers in general would very much object?— That is a matter of opinion. The percentage used would not be very large. 141. Mr. Barber.] Regarding the opinion which you have expressed as to the importation of Oregon, do you know whether this opinion is held by others following the same occupation in this district? —I cannot speak for any one else :itis my individual opinion. 142. We read that builders generally throughout the Dominion have passed resolutions emphasizing the wisdom of importing Oregon duty-free? —I have not taken particular notice of that. 143. Mr. Mander.~\ Have you ever regarded Oregon as a particularly beautiful and ornamental timber? —No. 144. You would not think of using it for panels or furniture?—l have never seen it used as an artistic timber at all. 145. You said if you had your own way you would prevent any more kauri going out of the country?— Yes. 146. In face of the fact that large areas of kauri timber are held by private individuals, which they have purchased at very high prices, say, 3s. per hundred royalty, would j-ou prevent these people from exporting and compel them to hold on for an indefinite pariod, and at the same time run the risk of fire, which you must know is very considerable?—l am not prepared to state the nature of the machinery that would have to be brought into operation in order to retain this timber for the colony. Ido say that it is very difficult now to obtain kauri from the North, and I think that is not fair, when we know that these are thousands upon thousands of feet exported every year. 147. The Australian market at the present time is the best market for kauri?—l know that. I was there, and we could buy cheaper there than in Auckland. That is sixteen years ago. 148. We get much better prices for the timber in Australia than in New Zealand. Considering we get such very much higher prices for our kauri timber in Australia than we can buy Oregon for, do you not think it is a very good exchange?—We are not importing Oregon from Australia. I do