THE BUILDING OUTLOOK

Evening Star, Issue 17599, 2 March 1921, Page 8

THE BUILDING OUTLOOK

CEMENT AND TIMBER PLENTIFUL. [Special to tee ‘ Stab.’] CHRISTCHURCH, March 1. Timber and cement both plentiful was the text of au optimistic report by building trade authorities this morning. The strike in Wellington has diverted to Lyttelton several shiploads of timber consigned from West Coast mills, and imported cement is now available in large quantities all over the North and South Islands, Though the amount of timber corning in is not yet sufficient to build up reserve stocks, there is ample on band for everydav requirements. ‘‘ The" supply has been better for some time,” said a contractor. “The waterside strike in Wellington has benefited Canterbury already, because we are getting a large share of the usual North Island consignments. Even before the strike an improvement was evident, due to the slack demand in Australia, whore, foreign timbers are increasing in use. At the present time there are three boats loading on the West Coaet for Lyttelton. The supply of hal’d wood has already been heavier oi late.” ‘ a

“ How will that affect house-building operations?”—“There is bound to bo al quiet spell ahead on account of money 8 tightness, but so far builders have plenty of work in hand and in sight. This trade h&s not come a thud. So far every carpenter is employed, and business is steady and sound. The demand for houses shows no sign of casing off, and prices all round are as high as ever. Cement is not bard to obtain, and that is helping work.” Other reports say that Oregon timber is being shipped freely to Hew Zealand, and there aro hint's of a reduction in price.