AMERICAN LUMBER IN FOREIGN MARKETS. 



115 



the mail steamers, which make four weekly trips between San Francisco, 

 Honolulu, Samoa, Auckland, and Sydney. It is possible a general 

 agency for American lumber might be profitably established in this 

 colony, thereby avoiding the middleman's percentage in Sydney and 

 Melbourne, which materially increases the cost to the consumer here, a 

 result which naturally tends to discourage the use and importation of 

 American timber. 



IMPORTS AND DUTY. 



There is very little lumber imported from abroad to this colony. 

 Last year 45,540 superficial feet were imported from the United King- 

 dom, valued at $1,710. The duty on lumber is 48 cents per 100 super- 

 ficial feet. 



PRICES. 



The following price list which I obtained from the Kauri Timber 

 Company, of Auckland, will show the prevailing prices here. This 

 company owns the largest sawmill in the colony, and has practically 

 a monopoly of kauri timber. 



Retail prices current. 

 [Subject to alteration without notice at the company's yards, Auckland and Onehunga.] 



The above prices are for timber in the yard. 



N. B. -Special discounts to builders and contractors. Orders for lengths can not be guaranteed, but 

 will be supplied as near as possible. Orders for specially selected or strictly all heart, will be charged. 

 1*. per 100 feet superficial extra. First-class timber is free from shakes or large knots, and not over 

 one-third of any piece clean sap (free from pin holes). Medium is all or any part clean sap, free from 

 pin holes, but in special sizes not always available. Second class is all or part sap, with pin holes and 

 other defects. Orders for long lengths, 6d. per 100 feet superficial extra for every foot additional in 

 length from 25 feet up to 34 feet ; above that length by arrangement. Flooring and rusticated weather 

 boards, minimum length, 8 feet. 



