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Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1923, Page 2

A Christchurch builder lias been dilating on the cost of house building, and the following extract from a Christchurch paper is of interest. “To-day a wooden building can lie erected lor about 20 per cent less than during the boom period about two years ago,’’ said the builder when interviewed. He added that this was due to an all round decrease in the prices of building material and also to the reduction in wages ns ordered by the Arbitration Court. The builder added that business was fairly brisk iu the trade in Christchurch at present. A number of large buildings were being erected in the city itself, and besides a large number of houses were being built in the suburbs. As far as lie knew there wore no skilled men connected with the building trade, out ot work at present, but the supply of skilled labour was sufficient to meet the demand, and no buildings were being he’d up on account of any shortage of skilled workers. Questioned with regard to the supply and price of timber the builder said that ordinary building timber known in the trade as 0.8. was cheaper to-day than at any time during the past five years. Unless the sectional charges were, abolished he did not think there would be any reduction in the price of timber from the West Coast when the Otira tunnel was opened. There w R s every indication that at least two sectional charges on timber from the West Coast would lie made permanent. The first section would he from the mills to Otira and the second from Otira to Christchurch. These sectional charges appeared to he justifiable because three different engines would ha-vc to he used in bringing a train from the West Coast to Christchurch. Personally lie did not think that any reduction in the price of timber could ho expected on account of the opening of the Otira tunnel. The price of bricks, said the builder, was governed largely by the cost of unskilled labour and coal. Bricks bad been reduced in proportion to tlio reduction in wages. Unless the cost of unskilled labour and coal was lowered, and there seemed to be no immediate prospect of this, no further reduction m the price cf bricks could be looked for. All classes of builders’ hardware and ironmongery wore much cheaper than they were two years ago, but they had Ixkmi informed by merchants that the latest indications were for slightly increased prices. Cement was now very plentiful, and this article had been reduced in proportion more than any other building material that was produced in the Dominion.

TiiK builder’s remarks with regard to freight rates through the tunnel, fortunately, are wide of the mark. The three sectional rates apply now, and will so apply during the period the Public Works Department controls the tunnel works. This is a blessing in disguise for the time being, so to speak because the loss goods pass through the tunnel, the less will the workmen be hampered, and the quicker will the section be handed over to the Railways Department. The General Manager of Railways (Mr R. McVilly) when hero lately made, the matter quite clear; as he did, also, with regard to the freights—which would be a flat distance through rate, the same as obtains generally throughout the Dominion. This appeared quite satisfactory to the local deputation, which waited on Mr McVilly. and which came away with the impression that the Railways Department was only too anxious to luivo charge of the line as early ms possible, so that tho through traffic which will be of such general value to the railway system, will have ready transit without hampering delays in dual control or restrictive freight rates.

Titf. County elections yesterday, through the voting being diffused over a wide area covering many’ polling ’booths, did not create much apparent interest at any particular centre, while the attendance at the County’ Chambers last evening, where the results were being received, was not very large. The polling, however, was above the average in past contests, so that the electors took tlio necessary personal interest in the events. In the Northern Riding the three sitting members, Messrs Murdoch. Ward, and Duff were re-elected, as was generally expected, though Mr Jellic, who made a first essay put up a very creditable fight and occupied a good position on the poll, evidently the result of n good canvass of the district. In tho Central Riding Mr Morel was displaced byMr Keenan, who made his first essay’ in local politics, polling well, also due no doubt to tho personal touch lie made with the individual electors. Messrs Chesterman and Wells were re-elected. Mr Morel probably owes bis defeat to the personal equation, but he lias been a good member for the Hiding, and a progressive settler for the district where he resides. In the Southern Riding, Mr Jeffries was re-elected, Hon. J. Grinimond secured the seat formerly held by Mr Ritchie (who was not a candidate) and Mr Searle secured Mr Chinn’s seat. In the defeat of Mr Chinn the Council loses a veryconscientious member, and one who took always a clearly expressed view of matters which came up at the table. Messrs Baueke and Donovan, two iormer members of the Council in years gone by, who offered their services on this occasion, were also among the unsuccessful candidates, though polling well in each instance. Mr Monk of Koiterangi who made his second effort, again failed, while Mr R. Mehnrry (a former employee of the Council) "as also unsuccessful. The contest etidently was largely decided on the personality of the candidats. There was not any special policy or burning questions (other than immediate district requirements or grievances). As regards a better roads policy, Messrs Keenan and Searle will, doubtless, be advocates in that direction, while the Hon. Grimmond with his parliamentary experience and position, is sure to be a very useful member in representing County

requirements directly at headquarters. Tho new faces at the table will no doubt add fresh interest to the deliberations, and at tho first meeting in about a fortnight’s time, when tho County Chairman is to be elected for tue first- year of office, rather special interest will be evinced in tho proceedings.