Extravagance in Building Denounced.

Progress, Volume XVI, Issue 6, 1 February 1921, Page 142

Extravagance in Building Denounced.

A good deal of reference was made at the Dominion conference of the Builders’ Federation in Christchurch last month to the practice of periodically increasing wagss, in order to meet the increasing costs of commodities, and also to the apparent inclination of people to live in houses which, for luxuries, are bey., lg .heir means. Pointed reference was also made to tne fact that many of the lately-erected houses have been built on borrowed money, and in connection with that more than one building contractor uttered a warning at the conference.

The president, Mr. H. Mainland, of Wellington, in the course of his opening statement, referred to the increases made by the Arbitration Court in wages, and added that the time had come for cooperation with the employees in a general scheme, something in the nature of a bonus on time service, or on ability. A definite proposition should be made as a guide to all employers. It was almost certain that, at no distant date, the public would demand that employers should reorganise, that they must make a stand to help remove tfie faults that existed. It was apparent that the men were aiming to con-

trol industry, and it was desirable that a definite scheme that would merit respect on all sides should be considered for the adjustment and settlement of industrial conditions. The independence of individuals may have to be curtailed to a great extent for the welfare of the community. The change of thought to-day was so great that it necessitated a certain amount of subjection on both sides without removing men’s self-respect and individuality. It was not improbable that New Zealand might give a lead in this matter. Why not? “People are short of houses, yet very extravagant houses are demanded, and that means extravagant finance. Many things which are not necessary are demanded in the erection of private houses,” remarked Mr. W. H. Christie (Wanganui). He thought that the Association should make some representations on the aspect of present-day conditions. Borrowed money was being spent right and lett, and he was afraid that a financial crisis was coming, and that prices would come down as quickly as they went up, and that would spell ruin to many who had bought properties at values which they could not afford.