THE SHORTAGE OF CEMENT

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 62, 13 March 1915, Page 6

THE SHORTAGE OF CEMENT

DOES NOT APPLY HERB. LOCAL SUPPLIES AMPLE. iln conversation with Mr. Alex. Wilson (of Wileon's Portland Cement Co.) this morning, a representative of the " Auckland Star" was furnished with a few interesting particulars anent the position in New Zealand at th e present time as !to supplies of cement. " There are ample supplies of cement for all New Zealand's requirements," remarked Mr. Wilson. " I can assure you there is no danger of any stoppage of bnlidiiig operations here for want of cement. It must not be forgotten that since the outbreak of war there has not been so much building going on, but on the other hand, the Public Works Department is using a pretty fair amount of cement just now. The works of one New Zealand cement company were destroyed by fire some months ago, but there are still three companies left to compete with one another, which tende to keep prices from advancing in the Dominion." Asked whether the shortage in Australia might not affect the local market, Mr. Wilson said: "The duty in Australia on Britieh cement is 15/ per ton, but on foreign 20/, and the New Zealand make ranks in the latter class. About three months ago the duty in Australia on British-made cement, : wae raised to 20/, and on! I foreign cement (which, again, included New Zealand) to 30/. But for that duty, New Zealand manufacturers of cement would certainly; have taken orders in the Australian market. The increase of duty helped to increase the shortage in Australia, and the makers over there promptly put up the price 9/ per ton. This to my mind cannot last long, as new companies are already being formed in Australia, which means bigger supplies shortly, and consequently more competition." In answer to a question as to whether there w-a s a chance of 'big orders from Great Britain being sent bo Australia and New Zealand for cement. Mr. Wilson said: "Germany was probably the largest maker of cement prior to the war, but the United States was almost equal to that country. Now that supplies cannot be drawn from Germany, it will.be much eaeier and quicker for Great Britain to get what cement is wanted from America, than to bring at the extra distance involved from Australia or New Zealand. There may also be a probability of Japan supplying cement to Great Britain, but whatever happens, there is no danger at the present time of anjr I shortage of cement for local Tequlrejments in New Zealand. By September it is stated, the other company will 'be at work again manufacturing cement.*'