THE BUILDING TRADE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21445, 10 April 1935, Page 5

THE BUILDING TRADE

APPEAL FOR HIGHER

STANDARD

VIEWS OF MR S. J. MOORE

The opinion that builders should try to raise their trade to a higher standard, raid should co-operate more with other related trades and with architects, so that the public would fully appreciate the value of the industry, was expressed by Mr S. J. Moore, the retiring president of the Canterbury Builders' and Contractors' Association, at its annual meeting last night.

"Building, in common with all other trades and professions, has, since the Great War, undergone a very great change," said Mr Moore. "On the one hand we have the modern building with all the wonderful improvements in design, service, and health, and on the other, we have our pre-sent-day business methods, which, sad to say, are not in keeping with the high ideals which some of us cherish. "Many blame the slump, shortage of work, and various complicated financial interests. These excuses may be partly true, but could we not, as a body, do our utmost to place the building industry on the high pedestal which it clearly deserves to-day? Think of the number of clever men in professions and trades connected with a modern building, or with building generally, and you can realise that we must command a certain respect in the eyes of the general public. "It is the duty of builders to place the trade on an honourable and businesslike footing, and educate the public up to the true value of building; to buy value and not expect to receive £1 worth of work for 10s or 15s. That is impossible, and it is no use an owner complaining because certain unexpected repairs are necessary in a few years. He has only himself to blame for accepting too low a price. That same owner usually knows the best value in suits, shoes, or motorcars, irrespective of cost, so why should he not know value in building costs?"

Mr Moore said that builders should let the public know that they were only too keen to do a good job if only they would be allowed to do so. While it was pleasing to earn a good profit, it was just as pleasing to do a satisfactory job. It would always be to the advantage of builders to try to save for the owner wherever that was possible. Building to-day, more than ever, required' the close co-operation of architect, builder, and various connected trades. He thought he was safe in saying that builders would welcome any suggestions of round table talks, demonstrations, or lectures, so that they could come to know the other man's work, appreciate his difficulties, and generally help to put building on a better basis.