NO FIBRE FOR PLASTER

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1947, Page 4

NO FIBRE FOR PLASTER

ANOTHER SETBACK FOR HOME BUILDERS "At ' the present time, while hundreds of citizens are clamouring for houses ahd wondering why those partially erected, cannot be completed, the building fraternity are at . their wits end to overcome such problems as that connected with fibrous plaster," said Mr. H. M. Clark, secretary of the Auckland / Master Plasterers? Association in'an interview. It was pointed out that plaster of .paris- had been, in short supply during the past few years, the shortages becoming partieularly acute in August last, when several Auckland firms were forced to dispense with the larger proportion of their trained staffs and in some instances to close down altogether. After repeated interviews and discussions with Ministers and departmental heads, relief was obtained when the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Peter Fraser, gave instructions for an extra ship to be put on to carry gypsum rock from Australia for conversion into plaster in Auckland. At the same time a large quantity of manufactured plaster from America was ordered under a Government subsidy to the extent • £30,000. A considerable quahtity of this plaster has already arrived in New Zeialand. Other private imports, not under subsidy, have also arrived, and this, together with improved shipments of gypsum from Australia, at the moment leaves the". market comparatively well supplied. "The irony of the position, however, is that now the plaster supply position is fairly gpod, a ban has been placed on the use of fibre, the next most impo'rtant raw material used in the manufacture of fibrous plaster 1 sheets," added Mr. Clark. The situation which has developed will further retard the building of houses for the many home-' less people.