STONE FOR BUILDINGS

Evening Star, Issue 21750, 19 June 1934, Page 2

STONE FOR BUILDINGS

AUSTRALIAN IMPORTATION PROTEST BY STONEMASONS A deputation representing the Operative Stonemasons’ Union recently waited oil the Minister of Employment (Hon. A. Hamilton) concerning the stone which it was proposed to use in the new Colonial Mutual Insurance building now in course of erection in Wellington. The spokesmen stated 'that it was believed that the stoiie to be used in the building, which is a job subsidised by the Unemployment Board, was a manufactured stone from Sydney, and that, consequently, no New Zealand labour would be employed in its pre-

partition. As, apparently, the object of tins Unemployment. Uoiml in granting the subsidy to this building was to pro-, iliote the employment of N’ew Zealand tradesmen and other Workers it was represented to the Minister that the circumstances were unfortunate, especially to the men who would have obtained employment if New Zealand stone were used. In regard to the quality of New Zealand stone. the stonemasons who formed the deputation assorted that suitable stone was available in this country..A TECHNICAL QUESTION, .The Minister of Employment staled that he was not aware of the circumstances. ' blit would make inquiries with a view to, haying New Zealand stone used in both the Colonial Mutual and the Prudential buildings, the latter being also a subsidised Job. Mr P. Fraser. M.P., who.introduced and supported the deputation, lias since received a letter from the Minister, who said, inter alia; “ I find that a lot ot consideration was given to the question of the stone to be used on the Colonial Mutual building. The use of Stone, and the quality of the stone to ho used, seems to have developed in recent years into a very technical subject, and even experienced architects and stonemasons seem to have a difference of opinion its to the qualities. When faced with this, the Unemployment Board decided that it was a question Upon which it could not afford to he dogmatic, and particularly so as the use of the stone proposed for this building will reduce considerably the amount of subsidy to be found. FINALITY NOT REACHED. “Yon will realise that-no subsidy is payable from the fund on aiiy labour expended oilier than on the site of the building. Tbo preparation of the stone to bo used, therefore, will not bo subsidised. but stonemasons will ho engaged in placing it in position and in the minor trimmings required on the site, and those wages will, of course, carry subsidy. “ In the case of the Prudential, up to the time of writing finality has not been reached-by the principals on the question whether they will use the same stone that is being used in the Colonial Mutual building or whether they will use a New Zealand stone. The hoard is making every endeavour',to persuade them to use. wherever possible, New Zealand materials, including New Zealand stone, but. in fare of tbe ♦f’ebnical nature of tbe discussions that (lave tnfcen place, do not feel competent to Tu.-crnnt that New Zealand stone - of the subsidy of any of the labour engaged.”

Attractive chairs for bedrooms may easily he made from ordinary dock chairs by covering the canvas seat with chintz or cretonne to match the curtains and covers in the room. A small hanging cushion for the back oi- the chair should be made and similarly covered. The wooden frame of the chair may ho enamelled in white or in any suitable colour. If a more substantial cover is preferred dapied woolwork on canvas may be used. These covers are warm and comfortable, and if zig-zag oi herringbone patterns; are worked in two or throe shades a soft and pleasing effect is produced.