CHEAPER HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1922, Page 4

CHEAPER HOMES.

THE FIRST STEP TAKEN. CARPENTERS’ WAGES DOWN.. \ REDUCTION IN WELLINGTON By Telegraph.—Press Association. I Wellington, Last Night. The executive of the Wellington Master Builders* Association decided, at a meeting held yesterday, to reduce the maximum hourly rate of wages being paid to carpenters and joiners from 2s 9d to 2s 6d. The reduction takes effect as from yesterday. A pressman was informed that the maximum could have been reduced many months ago, but the master builders purposely refrained from taking such action, as they considered the most skilled workers should continue to be paid the best possible rate. To-day, however, the position is different, for it is recognised that for some considerable time past the high cost of materials and inflated wages have deterred many people from calling tenders for the erection of houses and other premises, and now a reduction in the maximum rate of wages paid to carpenters and joiners has been brought about it is hoped building enterprise in Wellington will be considerably stimulated. It is stated that for some months past many master builders in Wellington have been paying 2s 6d an hour as the maximum wage, but the supply ,of tradesmen is considered more than equal to the demand, and in numerous instances the award rate of 2s 3jfd pe* hour only has been paid.