PRICE OF CEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1930, Page 2

PRICE OF CEMENT

' LOCAL BODIES COMPLAIN

WELLINGTON, July 2.

“We have here a compifny making huge profits at the expense of* the country at large,” said a. delegate to the conference of the New Zealand Counties Association when the prices oi cement were being discussed. “It is absurd having a company here governing the price of cement to their own advantage,” he added.

These and many other remarks including references to the quotations of the company’s shares and the dividend it was paying were heard in a discussion which followed the introduction of a Raglan remit, “That the Govern 1 -* luent lie urged to make an inquiry with a view of reducing the cost of cement manufactured in New Zealand, of which a large amount is now used by local bodies for the construction of roads and bridges, and if it is found that the selling price of the same can not lie reduced that the Government remove the duty on all imported cement.” Tlie remit was moved bv Mr C. Jobnrtone, of Whatawhatn. “It effects practically every local body that is represented here today.” he said. “Today there is a dntv of £1 a ton on imported cement and if that were remitted it would make a lot of difference.” Air L. Webb (Whaneareil was onposed to the motion. He saicl that a reduction of 10s a ton was available to local bodies for cement used, on local body works,

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it,” said a delegate. “T feel sure.” Mr Webb continued, “That it would do a great industry a good deal of harm, if we passed a resolution of this type.” “Some of the cement companies’ shares are selling at £2 and more” was the content of another delegate. “That's a fairly good guide to the cut rates tlmv are giving ns,” he added. “Tf the duty on imported cement we-e reduced our own product would come down in price too. They have got a good monoplv.

After further discussion the chairman (Mr .Tull) said that lie did not like the ide,a of suggesting that the duty should he removed. He asked the mover whether he would consent to allowing the remit to end with the “bridges.” hut the remit was eventually carried.