c—f.

APPENDIX lII.—THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS,

AUCKLAND. Owing to the heavy rains and freshes experienced during the early part of the year large supplies of kauri and other logs were delivered at the various mill-booms, thus replenishing the niuchreduced log stocks and relieving the necessity of dispensing with a number of sawmill employees by some of the larger mills in the northern districts. The timber trade generally has maintained a continuous demand for all classes of timber, both in the home and foreign markets, and although the retail prices still remain firm no further increase has taken place since that mentioned in report on timber industry for 1912-13. During the year several large shipments of Oregon pine timber have been imported, and ready sales are being found at very fair prices. The large quantities of foreign timber thus imported into the Dominion and entering into competition with the native timbers no doubt results in a tendency to increase the exportation of the latter to outside markets in order that sales may be effected, and thus reduce the local producers' stocks. Both the local and foreign trade in kahikatea timber for the manufacturing of butter-boxes and fruit-cases, Arc, still continues very brisk, owing principally to the prosperous farming Season experienced in New Zealand and Australia. Although supplies of kahikatea timber are being principally obtained from several large forests in the King-country and northern districts, the fact remains that, owing to the heavy demand for this timber for agricultural purposes, the supplies are rapidly diminishing, and it is therefore expedient that early steps should he taken to conserve the remaining kahikatea bushes for the use of the Dominion's farming community. From the undermentioned statement of sales of milling-timber by the Crown it will be seen that there has been a decrease during the past year, which is partly due to the less quantity of timber submitted, and partly to the fact that bushes previously measured with a view to disposal have been reserved for the use of the State. Exclusive of a number of minor sales of standing timber, there were thirty lots, containing about 22,000,000 ft., offered for sale by public auction or appraisement; several of these lots aggregating about 14,600,000 ft. were, however, passed in, presumably on account of the increased log stocks previously referred to, and the necessary outlay by the sawmillers in connection therewith. The total revenue derived from the sales of timber and extensions of time for the removal thereof was £14,254. The total quantity of timber measured during the year is about 28.000,000 ft., and includes part of the timber measured on the Mangatotara Block, Tauranga County, which work was resumed before the beginning of the year and was completed towards the latter end. Notwithstanding the allegations made that the timber on this block was practically of a negligible quantity, it is now an ascertained fact that the block contains about 28.000,000 superficial feet of superior class rimu, &c, the trees being on the average of exceptional size, both in length and girth. During the summer months several extensive fires were reported to have destroyed a quantity of logs and standing timber in privately owned bushes. Fortunately, however, the State forests were immune from fires, although several of the bushes have suffered damage at the hands of the gum-diggers and Natives through bleeding the kauri-trees. A number of convictions have been obtained by the police against such offenders, which should prove a deterrent against further trespassing. The following table shows the various kinds of timber disposed of during the year ended 31st March, 1914 :—

Exports and imports of timber : Owing to the information not being available in time for the report this year the usual statement of exports and imports of timber cannot be supplied. Timber-floating: New licenses granted. 12: licenses renewed. 109; licenses lapsed, 11; licenses in existence, 139. jj \r Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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Kauri. Bimu. Kahikatea. Totara. Matai. Miscellaneous. Total. Amount realized. Crown ltnds (including 1,570,623 743,572 national endowments) State forests .. .. 24,403 242,572 Education reserves .. 180,967 16,500 1,775,993 1,004,644 991,043 1,731,444 514,996 1 463,624 i 595,900 218,873 I 16,500j 1,673,540 2,343,844 514,996 64,818 £ s. d. 5,618,496 ; 4,402 1 10 1,326,499 236 5 6 432,840 352 3 6 7,377,835 ! 4,900 10 10 64,818