THE PRICE OF TIMBER.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1920, Page 7

THE PRICE OF TIMBER.

ANOTHER RISE IN THE SOUTH. Christ church, 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 list, inspected today, shows that merchants have put another Is on every 100 sup. ft. of ordinary timber, Is 3d on half-inch lining, Is 3d on flooring, Is ikl on T. and G. lining, and Is on 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 1014, ''l tot; no chance whatever of reducing the cost of building houses," said the builder. "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 increases in timber was given by a contractor who furnished details as follows regarding an estimate for 100 links of fencing (rimu rails, black pine posts, and half" inch red pine boards):—On June 18 last he contracted to do the job for £ll 10s on October 14 for £l3 14s, and on October 22 for £l4 2s.