CEMENT WORKS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1932, Page 5

CEMENT WORKS

TO CLOSE DOWN GREAT FALLING OFF IN ORDERS (Per Press Association — Copyright.) WHANGAREf, December 14. The works of Wilsons (New Zealand; Portland Cement Company, Limited, at Portland will close on December 23, and it is uncertain when they will reopen in the New according to the works manager, Mr T. H. Wilson. The storage bins wii'l be full to capacity on the date of closing, and, with the closing of the works, the kilns will also be closed. Only a few of the permanent staff will then be required. The shipping of cement orders will still be carried on and th e necessary men for this work will be employed from the ranks of the normal staff. It is estimated that 120 men will be affected by the closing of the -works, practically all of them being married, For some considerable time the position of the cement industry lias been very unsatisfactory and the company has been compelled to close the works for varying periods during the year owing t-o lack of orders and the fact that all' storage bins have been full.

“Although December ia usually a slack month for cement orders, the position during.J;he past fortnight ha s been exceptionally bad,” said Mr Wilson, “Jn view of the position generally, it is uncertain when the works will reopen in the New Year, and a great deal will depend upon shipments during the next few weeks.’’