BETTER BUSINESS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1932, Page 6

BETTER BUSINESS

RESULT OF BUILDING SUBSIDY^

PUBLICITY’S GOOD EFFECT,

WELLINGTON, September 7

There is abundant evidence that good results are being achieved as a result of the publicity given to low building; costs land the Unemployment Board’s subsidy on labour. This statement was made yesterday by Mr A. Steel, president of the Allied Building Industriesorganisation, fie added that good 'reports also had been, received from other, centres. , !-

“Firms catering for the building, trade (have reported distinctly, stigiur lated activity,’’ said Mr Seed. .“During the paet six Weeks or more there, has been an improved demand for material, and in many cases it is stated that isifcocks will soon have to .be. renewed. This will' react beneficially on -sawmills and cement works, ..in transport. and in the .numberless other channels catering' for the >

NUMBER OF SUBSIDIES GRANTED

To August 27, which date completed the ..eighth -week of the operation of the scheme, the total number of building’works approved for subsidy by tin 1 Unemployment' Board .".had been , 856. i s aid Mr Seed. The total number of buildings 'laind other work involved 'amounted .to £388,600, and the number ’of men to be found employment beforp 'these works were completed was computed to be 2410. It is estimated by the officers of the Unemployment Board that 78 per cent ■of the. total value of work authorised ■ will represent wages expenditure m some form or other within the fi°WAGES: MORE THAN £300,000.

“It is probable, of course, that a certain proportion of this now authorised work would have been proceeded with sooner or ifater, even if the building subsidy had not been available, .said Mr Seed. “'On the other hand, there is no doubt whatever that the subsidy, and appreciation of the fact 'that biiilding costs are now at bedrock, lilav© been together responsible '-for bringing forward the major part of the work. The highest approbation should be accorded to any movement which has been responsible for promoting work that will involve a wide, distribution of something more than £300,000 of wages expenditure .within the Dominion.”