CEMENT ENQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1921, Page 3

CEMENT ENQUIRY.

[BY TKMSCIIAPH —I’Kll TIIKSS ASSOCIATION] PRODUCTION COSTS. WELLINGTON, Nov 2. Before the Commit Commission, Mr |>ei rv. for Mr Masters, applied fo r all order for the production 'of balancesheets and statements of cost of production of the cement- companies. My Mvers said that balance-sheets were available, but he would not, except by order of the Court, produce cost sheets, although tho Commission could sec them. All these particulars were submitted to the Board of Trade when the price was increased. Mi- Justice Sin? said that he would not, make tho order asked for at present ; lie might find it necessary to do so as the inquiry proceeded. Edward Boulton, secretary of tho Golden Bay Company, said that when (lie price of cement was increased by the Board of Trade, lie was surprised; it was more than lie expected. Witness to expross oil opinion tho incrcMsc in prior* was in the interests of the company. Tie doubted if the cost of production could have been reduced in 1920 owing to tho difficulty of getting coal, labour and materials. The price was reduced in April of ibis year before the agreement to dose the Golden Bay works. No notice was given to the agents of the intention to close.