N.Z. TO IMPORT CEMENT: NEW COMPANY FORMED

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 August 1949, Page 3

N.Z. TO IMPORT CEMENT: NEW COMPANY FORMED

WELLINGTON, August 19 (P.A.). —To meet the difficulties that had been experienced through the shortage of cement, the Government hhs arranged for the three New Zealand cement companies to establish a non-profit-making company to be called Cement Importers (N.Z.), Ltd, to import cement. This was announced this evening by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr A. H. Nordfneyer). The Minister added that the Government would determine the quantity to be imported and import licences would be issued only to the new company. “The landed cost of imported cement is much higher than the price of the local product,the Minister continued. “To avoid difficulties which would otherwise arise, it is proposed to pool the price of local and imported cement and to sell both at the same price in the same locality. This will involve a surcharge in the case of the local product of 12s .a ton, which is equivalent to 6d a bag on cement sold in papei' bags, and 8d on cement in jute bags.” The Minister said the first shipment of cement to reach New Zealand was being landed, and it was proposed that the new pool price would take effect on August 22. “I understand that the three cement companies are contemplating the installation of additional plant to meet the country’s greatly enhanced demand for cement,” said the Minister. “Because of inevitable delays in securing machinery of this type from overseas, it will be at least two years before the first extension goes into production. Until the new plant is installed, importation will be continued in order to meet the „Dominion’s requirements. Adjustments in the pool price may need to be ’ made from time to time, according to the quantities imported and the landed cost.”