IRON AND WIRE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2268, 30 September 1914, Page 7

IRON AND WIRE

SERIOUS SHORTAGE. IN SUPPLIES. Advice received by a Wellington firm from its London agents indicates that galvanised, iron, wiro of different kinds, and wire-netting, will bo scarce and dear for somo time to come. Spelter, which is used in galvanising iron and wire, was quoted prior to the declaration of war, at £22 10s. Later' tho price rose rapidly to £33 Is., £34 ,55., £35, £33, and £50.. About 75-per cent, of the spelter used in Britain is imported.' Tho United States produce little more than enough to supply their own needs. Continental supplies to Britain are, of course,- stepped, and the London agent mentioned above statee that the, Government is commandeering all the spelter it can find. , An interesting point. mentioned is that the British and French Governments , are eagerly buying corrugated galvanised iron and sheets of block iron (such as .on 6 ordinarily used above cook r ing-ranges) ■ for use in the construction of entrenchments. No doubt the iron-is used with a. backing of earth or other - suitable material.

A shortage of iron and wire will naturally bo seriously felt in this country since corrugated iron is very largely used for roofing, and in some instances for covering the walls of-houses and sheds, and there is.also a_ big de-. mand for plain and barbed fencing wire, wire-netting and other eimliar materials.