NOT ACUTE YET

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20152, 23 January 1940, Page 6

NOT ACUTE YET

BUILDING MATERIALS SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES GISBORNE HOUSING JOB ENLISTMENT OF MEN The shortage of building materials has not been felt acutely in Gisborne yet, and contractors have sufficient supplies on hand for their immediate requirements. This statement was made by one of the leading building contractors of the town to-day, when he stated that Gisborne appeared to be more favourably situated than ;the main centres, where nails, roofing iron and other metal work was practically unprocurable. Gisborne stocks were low, but work was able to continue for the time being, at least. One difficulty was arising,’ however, and that was the threat of a shortage of skilled labour, if the rate of building continued as at present and the industry lost more of its men to the military forces. He alone had lost seven men during the past fortnight Mr. A. Kirk, who has secured the contract for the erection of 44 State houses on. the Childers road block, stated that he expected to make a start next week with the foundations. In regard to the State houses, the shortage of building materials \Vas not so serious, for most were of local manufacture. In some instances raw materials for local maufactures were difficult to obtain because they were dependent upon import supplies, but it was understood that the position would be eased somewhat in the near future.

There had been a big drain on building supplies during the past year or so, for Gisborne has experienced the most active period for a long time, both with housing and other premises During the past two years nearly 200 dwellings, including 120 State houses, have been authorised, and more than 100 have been either completed or are in the last stages of completion now.