Why Cement Is In Short Supply

Chronicle (Levin), 1 July 1948, Page 5

Why Cement Is In Short Supply

AUCKLAND, June 30. "There is atv. present an overall shortage of eement in New Zealand ancl the p.oteutial demand is far in excess Qf the existing New Zealand capaeity, ' ' said Mr. G. Winstone, ehairman of Wilson 's (N.Z.) Portland Cement Ltd.. in his annual address to shareholders. "It is evident that additional cap.acity must be provided in' tlie near future," added Mr. Winstone. "It ,1s equally evident that extra capaeity sho.uld be constructed at Portland where large deposits of suitable cement rock ancl lime are already proved and where existing plant, railways, wharves and communications are already available. Before any additions may be prudently undertaken the directors must b€assuiyd, among other things, ( 1 )* of in5creased and continuing supplies of eoal. (2) of a reasonable return pn, tfie additional funds invested. "Costs are still rising in an ever inereamng spiral, ' ' Stated Mr. Winst.one. ' ' The works manager estimates thaUthe loss of output last year owing to the shorfage of eoal, was • approximately 80,000 tons." There were only 52 days on, which the mill operated at full capaeity. The output was a little better than that of the previous year and saies showed an increase of 4446 tons, Had the company been able to make the 30,000 tons lost through laelc of eoal, there woiijd have been little qf no complaint of shortages in the supplied by the