BUILDERS MEET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18570, 24 November 1920, Page 6

BUILDERS MEET.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The twenty-first annual the New Zealand Federated Builders and Contractors’ Association of Employers was opened in Christchurch yesterday. The following delegates were present President. Mr H. Mainland; Auckland, Messrs C. A- Lee and A. Gravpoti; Canterbury, Messrs W. H Winsor, N- S. M’Gilhvrny and R. ft. Nightingale; Dunedin Messrs J. M’Cormack, H. Taylor and H. MLeod; Gisborne, Mr George Smita; Hawke s Bav Messrs W. Ward and Jv Beecham; Manawatu, Air T. Griggs; Southland, Messrt 11. D. Preston and D. Jensen; New Plymouth, Air S I. Clark: Wanganui. Messrs H. Meuli and W. H. Christie; Wellington, Messrs'W. H. Bennett, i. AI. Wilson and A. H. Alildenhall. DELEGATES WELCOAIED. In welcoming the visitors, Mr J. W. Beanhind, Deputy-Alayor of Christchurch and a member of the Canterbury Builders’ Association, said: ‘ We have boon faced in Christchurch with the difficulties which exist all through New Zealand and throughput the cirilised world. Thero aro difficulties in front of us still, both in regard to material and in regard to labour While we feel now that wages are getting so high that it is almost impossible for build?vs to carry on successfully, we must look to one thing—that we keep on the best possible terms with the men wo employ. I trust that the work to be done at the conference will he for the good of us all, and that every side of the question will be considered.” ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that the year had proved one of change and anxiety to master-builders, and many difficulties in the way of securing necessary supplies had had to be faced. There had beep a shortage of practically all classes of building material, hut the greatest trouble had been caused by the limited supply of cemefit in all centres. Endeavours should be made to secure a larger output of coal. Though the country was blessed with abundant lime deposits, they had been compelled to secure large supplies of cement from the other side of the world. Supplies of 'bricks had also been difficult to secure, and this had meant increased expense. Th© difficulties in regard to timber were becoming greater each year, and much delay in the carrying out of oontracts had been caused, ship ping presenting the main difficulty. In some centres perhaps the greatest anxiety 'had been due to the shortage of journeymen. This had led b> carpenters taking advantage of the posi tion and demanding rates of pay far m excess of award rates. Owing • to these several disabilities, the. general body of contractors had found it impossible to tender.for work. In many instances, owners had then agreed to the carrying out of their jobs on the 10 per cent basis. The balance-sheet showed that receipts during the year amounted to £133, and that there was a credit balance of £39. Air Mainland, in moving the adoption of the report, urged members to do their best during the coming year for the reconstruction of trade and the restoration of normal conditions. Mr Bennett said that builders had had an anxious year, but he fully believed the worst was now over. In future there would have to fee closer unity between employer and employee. The Interests of both were identical. PRICE OF TIMBER, There was a good deal of discussion on the following remit from Hawke’3 Bay:—“That t]i© conference consider the ever-increasing price of timber with a view to taking any notion that may be necessary.” Mr S. I. Clarke said that more attention should be paid to the necessity of taking advantage of the knowledge of bhilders. the direct representatives of the public, in regard to the price and distribution of timber. Air W. H. Bennett said that be was mainly ooncerned about the length of time that builders bad to wait before they got timber. He had been waiting for over three months for timber to build an eight-roomed house. Air Clarke and he had represented the builders on the Board of Trade Committee, but they had had nothing to do with the fixing of retail prices. _ It was felt by the board that the prices charged by tbo millers were fair and reasonable' He could not say much regarding th© profits which merchants were making. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Beecham, “ That- in connection with the fixing .of the prices of timber by the Board of Trade Timber Committee, this.conference is definitely of opinion that representations from the master builders should be invited and considered when such prices are being fixed.” It was decided on the motion of Air R. E. Nightingale, seconded by Mr TV. H. TVinsor, “ That the Government be asked to remove the Customs duty from imported timber, and to make railway rates the same on foreign as on local timber.” IMMIGRATION. A Southland remit read:—“ That the Government be urged to adopt a more active policy in regard to the immigration of skilled workers.” Air JJ Jensen suggested:—“ (1) That the federation should foster tbo Government’s present immigration scheme; (2) that the, federation should assist the Government in bringing immigrants by offering a subsidy; and (8) that th© federation should take the whole scheme in hand.” Mr TV. H. Christie said that the Government, was doing a lob in regard to immigration at the present time, and the result was to create a demand for employment and housing The established men did not want to com© out to the colonies; it was those who had no means whp wanted to come. Ho was opposed to pressure .being brought to bear on the Government in regard "to immigration. After further discussion, the motion was withdrawn. APPRENTICES. The executive forwarded the following remit:—•“ In view of ,the decision of the Arbitration Court to grant bonuses to apprentices, employers’ assessors be urged not to agree to increases in rates of wages above those recommended by the last conference, and embodied in the present award, rising from los a week in the first year to 50s a week in the fifth year.” Mr TV. H. Bennett said the wages mentioned were liberal, and his idea was that employers should stick to thorn, including, of course, cost of living bonuses. , Mr TV. H. _ Winsor suggested that apprentices, in their fast year, should be given a course in costing. Air H. D. Preston said that the onlv way to get apprentices was to show parents that the trade was up to a high enough standard to warrant them putting their boys to it. The remit was adopted. TENDERING. Air Preston moved that the conference should adopt the system of tendering now carried out by Southland builders. The most- important clauses were: “ That in the event at any time of two tenders only being received by the architects, either tender may bo accepted; that, when three or more tenders are received, the architect shall reject the lowest tender. The second lowest or any other tender may then fee accepted. If the architect, after having rejected the lowest tender, considers the remaining tenders too high, he may require the second lowest tenderer (whore three or more are received), or the lowest (where only two ago received) to submit his calculation.

for comparison, that the error on either side may be ascertained.” It was decided that branches of the federation should be recommended to consider the matter from thejr own standpoint. Remits concerning conditions of coiv tract wore discussed in committee.

This afternoon delegates will take part in a bowling tournament at the United green. A smoke concert will be held in the Cadena Tea Rooms in tbo evening. To-morrow afternoon delegates will be taken for a motor drive.