BUILDING WORK DECLINES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27894, 16 February 1956, Page 10

BUILDING WORK DECLINES

COMMENT BY TRADE JOURNAL Nothing in the national economy could be more disturbing so early in the new year than the increasing evidence of the steady decline in building activity,” says an editorial ln .V? e ” New Zealand Timber Journal.” “Buoyant building conditions are the best indication of a healthy, expanding community. But. apart from that, the need for rebuilding obsolete structures in town and country is as great as ever.” says the article. In the previous issue, figures were quoted showing the marked drop in building permits for houses and flats in the larger centres over a period of five months.

“That this drop applies also to commercial buildings is shown by the following figures for the larger centres: October, 1955. 964 permits were issued to the value of £5,333,000. October 1954. 1180 with a value of £5,581,00; September, 1955, 1160 with a value of £5,663.000. compared with 1177 with a value of £5.814.000 for September, 1954,” it continues. “If these figures are a reflection of the Government’s anti-inflationary methods then it is obvious that the problem is being tackled from the wrong end. Unless the building decline. and the allied question of decontrol of timber prices, are resolutely faced and determined soon, the outlook bodes ill for the construction industry in this country and all who serve it.”