STILL A SHORTAGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4341, 9 October 1950, Page 7

STILL A SHORTAGE

SUPPLIES OF PIPING A PUZZLING PROBLEM STATEMENT OF MINISTER Commenting on the peculiarities of the existing water pipe supply, the Auckland province of Federated Far mens states that:— “In refusing to grant a license for the importation of galvanised piping from Melbourne, the Minister of Industries and Commerce explained to Federated Farmers that reasonable provision had already 'been made for importations of piping through normal importing houses and that adequate supplies were available at cheaper prices. Federated Farmers, therefore, were puzzled as to why a shortage of pining should still exist in New Zealand. In asking the Minister the res son for this, Mr D. L. M. Martin, Federated Farmers’ research officer, stated that “in view of the fact that there appears to be plenty of piping available from several sterling sources, all the piping that is necessary to satisfy the farmers’ demands should be in New Zealand within a few months and it is somewhat difficult to understand why the demand does not appear to be diminishing.” The Minister’s latest statement in regard to this has now been received by the Auckland province of Federated Farmers. “The licenses already issued during the current licensing period provide for deliveries of about 24,000 tons of galvanised piping in 195'0,” states the Minister. , “Unfortunately, shipping difficulties are at present imped-

ing the arrival and distribution of several large consignments; there are, for example, four vessels in Auckland at present (September 1'8) awaiting discharge, one of which, the “Barnhill,” contains a very large cargo of piping that has remained undischarged at Auckland since July 6.” The Minister continues that a delay in the departure from Fiance of some substantial shipments of piping has also contributed to the shortage. “It is estimated, however, that the supply position should be reasonably satisfactory by the end of the year, he adds. In reply to a query regarding the distribution of piping within New eZaland, the Minister states that this is entirely in the hands of the importers who allocate supplies for distribution to members of the New Zealand Tube Guild. Corrugated Iron Shortage The present shortage of corrugated iron is not likely to diminish, according to the importers, British Sheet Marketing Co. N.Z. Ltd., in a recent statement, which the Auckland province of Federated Farmers is now able to release. . . “We are not yet in a position to obtain from the manufacturing countries anything like the tonnage required, with the result that there is not even enough to cope with repairs, states the company. “The use of corrugated iron for new buildings, sneds, etc., is prohibited. “We had hoped that the next 12 months would see a steady improvement in the supply position but the fact that Great Britain and' the United States are committed to a heavy rearmament programme suggests that we shall be fortunate if we are able to maintain the present position So far as Australia is concerned, the works are operating at about 60 per cent capacity only and are unable to cope with the Australian demand.