HOUSE SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 199, 18 May 1920, Page 8

HOUSE SHORTAGE

Sir,—l notice n lengthy' report in your columns this morning of a deputation to the Prime Minister by various Labour bodies on the house shortage question. Commenting on the price of timber Mr. Read, secretary of the Timber Workers' Union, is reported- to havo stated that there was no reason except greed (presumably on the part of millers nnl merchants) that timber prices were so high to-day. As n timber merchant I ca'i suggest another reason. Although wag«s of timber employees were increased only as recently as May 1 last, I have- before me a demand for a new award. The first claim is one for a five-day week and a reduction of hours from iO at present, worked to 42}-. Then follow rates of wages desired which, not to split hairs, and.taking into consideration the reduction of hours proposed to be worked, .represent an increase of .33 1-3 per cent. If 'Mr, Read soriously thinks that by getting more mone.,' for less work he can -.'.decrease costs he is not the astute gentleman I take him to be. If all or any of the timber workers' demands are grunted it must necessitate a further increase in Hi; cost of building timber, and so (ho gam-i goes on. There is just ono.other point' I should like, to touch; on, and thftt is Mr, Singleton's/reported state-

nYent thai Oregon was being sold ;in Wellington from merchant to merchant at 193. per 100 feet, but iB charged out to the builder at 42b. per 100 feet. .This is tho veriest rubbish. Oregon cannot be landed in timber merchants' yards to-day at 425. It is,' however, a sample of jthe irresponsible statements our : Premier has to listen to in these days and which go forth to the unknowing publi'i as gospel.—l am, etc., • • TIMBER MERCHANT. Wellington, May 17, 1920. ■-