N.Z. ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER LAG IN RECOVERY FROM WAR CONDITIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22948, 17 May 1949, Page 6

N.Z. ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER LAG IN RECOVERY FROM WAR CONDITIONS

(P.A.)

WELLINGTON, May 16

“Very great concern is felt that the building industry is not recovering from the wartime and post-war limitations and is at present incapable of meeting the reasonable needs of the community,” says a joint statement issued by the New Zealand Institute of Architects and the New Zealand Federation of Builders and Contractors.

The two bodies have recently conducted investigations into difficulties in the building and material supply industries in New Zealand.

“It Is clearly established that the greatest influence controlling the capacity of the building industry is labour and that the industry Is also seriously influenced by the limited availability of materials which relate to world shortages, particularly of steel,” continues the statement.

“Many of the materials required are produced in this country. Imported materials include steel, metal pipes and sheet metal. “Coal is an important requirement in the local production of some materials, such as cement and bricks“lt is apparent that the building industry tends to lose skilled tradesmen to other industries , including some newly established. The loss of productive tradesmen to the enlarged civil service is reflected throughout all industries. “The reduction in the effective working time resulting from the 40hour week, together with other privileges, is reflected in the overall decrease in output per operative. Effects of Controls "Every form of control, accompanied by high taxation, discourages efficient output. There is a considerable dissipation of effort in surmounting the hurdle of permits, approvals and supply difficulties, instead of increasing production.” The statement sets out recommendations to remedy difficulties facing the building industry. First is the most urgent need of a general revival of the will to work. “Every possible agency,” the statement says, “should be engaged to remedy the effect of various reverse influences. “When the vital building industry of the community is undermined by the advent of new industries, some of which are of questionable value, it is time to consider every activity on its merits of usefulness to the community. “A material reduction in taxation would encourage effort, initiative and industry on all sides and the total taxation receipts might not be adversely affected. Elimination Objections “So long as the present difficulties continue, the need for building control will remain, but the simplification, reduction and eventual elimination of controls should be a constant objective. All problems which create the need for controls call for a solution. A building-facilitation department is required rather than a building-control department. “Difficulties in supplies of overseas materials, such as steel, are beyond remedy in New Zealand, but every effort should be made to obtain for New Zealand the maximum supplies aavilable. “There is room for reconsideration of the import duties to lighten the excessive costs to the consumer of supplies from countries subject to high duty-” Outlining building needs of the community, the statement says that the emphasis on housing with a complete stoppage of many Other forms of needed building work justifies periodical examination. While a serious housing shortage exists, there is justification for a review of its extent.

Housing for Work

“Housing should be considered in its broadest aspects,” continues the statement. “While justifiable emphasis has been paid on houses, the housing of the community during the working day should receive some attention. “Very few industrial and practically no commercial buildings have been erected for a very long time. With increased working populations in all our cities, the housing of the working community has steadily deteriorated. IVlany offices and factories today are overcrowded, badly lit and ventilated, inconvenient and uncomfortable.”

Other building needs mentioned are tourist accommodation, sports buildings, theatres, community centres, hosand institutional buildings and for post plunket rooms. “Transport calls for harbour development. railway stations, bus terminals and airports,” said the statement. “Education needs schools, colleges, university buildings, kindergartens, lecture halls and libraries.

“There is also the need for religious and instutional buildings and for post offices, police stations and departmental buildings of all kinds. Hydro-Electric Priority

“Local body requirements and highway works, bridges, river control and railway development are all overshadowed by the high priority given to the construction of numerous large hydro-electric schemes. While these are vitally necessary, it is still important to make provision for all other items in order that the development is balanced.

“Town planning, slum clearance and progressive development are all waiting on the building industry. “New Zealand is in a sorry plight when there is a regulation against the ordinary man using a bag of cement to lay a patch of concrete path in his own backyard.

“The difficulties of the building industry control health and welfare amenities, safety, the standard of living and the progress of all sections of the community. There is an urgent need to face these difficulties which are capable only of gradual adjustment. Unless a determined approach is productive of an early solution there can be no realisation of the outstanding building needs from the State’s 10year plans to the modest desires of the ordinary citizen.”