WHY CEMENT IS IN SHORT SUPPLY

Chronicle (Levin), 2 August 1947, Page 7

WHY CEMENT IS IN SHORT SUPPLY

WELLINGTON, August 1. Stating that the causes of the shortages of cemeat were entirely beyond his company's control, the manager oi the Golden Bay Cement Coy., Ltd., Mr. D. O. Whyte, outlined the difficulties experienced since 1945. Shortages of coal hampered production and shipping had also eaused difiiculties 'as for over two years tliere bad been insufficient shipping to lift the full out put: He said the company was con tinually pressing for more shipping space and used every suitable vessei available. The coal shortages hau reduced production by (50,000 tons during the last three years and production last month had bteen reduced by 4000 tons through this cause. He added that if suffieient coal and shipping were made available there would be little if any shortage of cement. The Minister of Supply, Mr. Nordmeyer, deelined to coniment wlien "Mr. .Whyte 's comments were referred to hina. Mr. G. H. Norman, secretary of the Shipowners ' Eederation, said the shipping companies were doing all they could' to assist in the transport of cement. Ships were loaded- and diseharged during extended hours and oi, Sundavs and holidays during the wai period' but that no longer appiied. In addition shipping that had been kept in the service because of the war needs, now had to be laid up for repairs. There was a lot-of leeway to be rnade up in surveys and in some cases a snr vey took twice the time that was ro quired previously. Mr. Norman also referred to the slowing down of vessels through not being worked at the weekends.