S.I. Cement For Waikato

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30740, 3 May 1965, Page 3

S.I. Cement For Waikato

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, May 2. A shortage of cement in Waikato will be eased within a few days by cement being shipped from the South Island, a supplier in Hamilton said today.

At the same time, a temporary levy of 5s a ton is being placed on the South Island cement to cover extra transport costs.

The levy will apply to cement from the south distributed in Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. In announcing the price increase, four cement firms said the levy had Government approval as the best way to handle the situation. Because of the increased demands that come every

year at this time, North Island manufacturers have not been able to provide an adequate supply. The demand is boosted largely by dairy farmers improving or building new milk sheds. However, city building is also a factor in the demand. To meet this demand, bulk cement is being shipped from Nelson to New Plymouth, and then bagged for redistribution. It might be a few days before the shortage is eased, but at the same time rains of the last few days should ease the demand. Waikato Federated Farmers asked the federation’s headquarters in Wellington a few days ago to see if the supply could be improved.