Lecoy.—The Forest Question in New Zealand. 21 
of the above classification, this timber, it may be confidently asserted, would 
attain a commercial value above that of oak. Birch, tawa, etc., could also 
advantageously replace oak in many of its special and essential uses on the 
same level as to prices. 
The market value of New Zealand timbers in the colony, as compared 
with that which they should reach in the European markets, can only be 
given as the result of personal observation, inquiries, ete. 
Home PRICEs. PRICES ABROAD. 
Per 100 superficial Per 100 mipearibiat 
eet, * feet. 
1st class timbers, from .. 12s. to 21s. | 1st class timbers, from .. £3 10s. to £8 Os. 
tnd | u 5 és eek eee I4. SAE ves i WTE o DORs. . 48. LOR 
Sn 5. " e ee eh Rog. IML oe A n s. &3 Os. ,, £9 10s. 
The prompt success of our timber export trade in Europe will mainly 
depend on proper discrimination as to the individual adaptability of the 
wood, and when its reputation is well established, there would be no fear 
of any diminution of the demand for it, nor of unsuccessful competition 
with identical timbers from any other parts of the world. 
Although the merits of the Dunedin experiments cannot be contested, 
they may not be found of much advantage for the purpose of establishing 
abroad the reputation of New Zealand timbers. Experiments, to have the 
effect of comparing the intrinsie value of our timbers with that of any 
standard wood abroad, should be made in the country where a good 
market is expected to be found. 
The diffieulty to be encountered abroad for the sale of our forest produce 
will be this: The timber merchant may well admit the superior value of our 
timbers, and at the same time refrain from giving orders for it, on the 
ground that he has his own stock to dispose of; that he has no demand for 
rimu or puriri, and that he cannot undertake to make a reputation, and 
thus create a demand, for unknown timbers. The same objections will be 
repeated at every wholesale house where the timber may be offered for sale. 
Another side of the question is that, in order to secure its full success, the 
exportation of New Zealand timber should be undertaken on a large scale. 
In France, a means may be found for at once establishing, on an indis- 
putable ground, the reputation of New Zealand timbers. The ** Conservatoire 
des Arts et Metiérs," at Paris, is a public institution of great European 
renown. Science, in its application to the industrial arts and agriculture, 
is there demonstrated by eminent professors. The establishment possesses 
&n ample supply of apparatus and machinery of all kinds, water and steam 
power, etc., intended for the purpose of testing the merits or properties of 
any new process or natural product having a character of general interest, 
