BRICK MAKING.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 468, 29 March 1909, Page 8

BRICK MAKING.

o ' THE STATE OF THE TRADE. Prices in the brickmaking industry have fallen,' some kilns have stopped work for Lhe time being, others are working with a less number of hands than their usual complement, and it is stated that some of the kilns will have to close down unless good orders come in shortly.' Such-was the picture presented to a Dominion reporter by a manufacturer, when asked the state of affairs. Trouble arose a few days ago, , when news was received that special white bricks for the Union Company's new building were to be imported- from Sydney. Mr; R, A. AVright, M.P. ? who was approached 'by manufacturers interested, mado representations to tho Government on tho subject, and received the reply that J .ho matter was being inquired into. Now,' however, it appears that the local men had no cause for alarm, as the quantity: which it was proposed to obtain from Sydney was a smallono,-- although it was-originally understood that tho whole front was to be built with the imported article. It is contended, however, that thcro was no reason for importing theso bricks when they could bo mado in Wellington. Speaking of tho prices obtained nowadays . for bricks as compared with' thoso of a few 'years ago, our informant said that in July, the ! price obtained per 1000 was £2 12s. 6d. A " ! |'JPhis was during the existence of a. manufacturers' association.) Two years ago the priccKwas £2 ss. per 1000, and this figure was maintained for\ twelve months, when it dropped to £2 Is., tho present figure. ,Tho latter quotation/is for bricks delivered within a quarter of a mi]o of the kiln. ' : An effort is being made to , revive the asso-, ciatiori,'which'ceased operations two years ago; , ; Tho brick trade, as it now stands,"' said the manufacturer, '-'is not worth ernbarkingin, because,' in , many case's,'the clay has to , be carted from a'long distance, thus' , causing.. the profits'to be very nominal. In fact, thero are too many, kilns,'four at'Nowtowh,' two at Wallace Street, ono at Maranui, one at Silverstream, one'at Brooklyn, and one at Webb Street." Tho othor and brighter side of tho picture lies in the fact that threo or, four large buildings are about to be commenced. It is thought that this will improve matters for a while.' ' ■•■ \ ' '