The Building Trade.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1921, Page 3

The Building Trade.

| HEALTH V i ONE IN DCN'KIRN. DUNEDIN, July I. '1 here is .said Lo be a distinctly better tone building trade. It has even boon stated that there are not more men unemployed in this trade than is usual at ibis time of the year. People appear to hate satisfied tliemmL>-», alar a weary wait, that the cost of building is reining down. So far no fall lias been announced in the price of limber, but as the yards are carrying full stocks, builders have been able to get supplies d.rei i from the mills, and season the wood themselves, thus effecting a saving in cost. Hardware prices, however. have been coming back, until now the cost nl such items as corrugated iron, nails, baths, and ot'lcr licuise-littings is no longer regarded as altogether prohibitive. The sum,, ■ may be said of painters’ oils and white lead. There is another factor to be considered, and that is the increased output ot labour. Ibe men are winking better. Whereas formerly labour was in short supply, contractors are now able to sort out their men. ami retain the best workers. The altered conditions are illustrated by the position of the sawmilling industry in urn South. In the Gatlins district several mills have recently been closed down, and in those -till working it lias been announced that when* wages have been higher than award rates, they will Li ought down to that level. About two thirds of the cost of timber is represented in wages, which appear to be at quite as high a level as the industry cap bear, and some (inns rather than cut prices are closing down, being prepared to await the arrival of spring. Should money then be easier, and mai’erials cheaper, renewed activity ill the building trade is looked for on a scale ol

some magnitude. There is at presold quite a fair demand from the North island for joinery, out aa no big buildings ai'e in progress, there is practically slid no demand for Oregon or imported timber generally. In general merchandise the possibility of falling 'markets is contributing to a. clearance of stocks at prices below the present cost ol replacement. In some cases it hits been noticed that a number of lines which at one time used to be in steady demand are now seldom or never asked for. This would Go more easily explained il it applied only to goods which were not procurable during tbo war. bill the neglect extends to lines which were never off the market. The fact remains Unit it is now not possible to quit ewtain goods which used to be quite saleable.