DEARER TIMBER

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3617, 2 November 1920, Page 4

DEARER TIMBER

ANOTHER RISE IN CHRISTCHUECH. .

CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 30.

There has been another rise in the cost- of building timber, and the day of cheaper houses seems further off than ever. The latest quotation lists inspected to-day show that njerchants have put another 1/ on every 100 superficial feet of ordinary timber, 1/3 oq half-inch lining, 1/3 on flooring, 1/9 on t. and g. lining, and 1/ oil selected timber. This, according to one builder, makes a 20 per cent increase in the past six months, and well over 100 per cent since 1914. “I see iqv chance whatever of reducing the cost of building houses,’’ said the builder. “Like other notifications, the latest says at the foot, “Subject to alteration without further notice.” That means often that when we arc halfway through a contract we have to pay higher for the balance of the necessary timber supplies. Once wo could he sure of getting through the I job at the stipulated price. The present state of affairs binders trade all round and keeps houses short.” A house which cost £750 to erect six years ago now means an expenditure of between £I3OO and £I6OO, according to location. - A striking example of‘the increasesin timber was given by a contractor, who furnished details as follows, regarding an estimate for 100 links of fencing, rimu rails, black pine, and half-inch pine hoards. On June IS, 1920, he contracted to do the job for £ll 10/, on October 14, for £l3 14/, and on October 22, for £l4' 2/.