THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 205, 30 July 1932, Page 6

THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.

In directing the attention of the public to tne advantages of No. 1U scheme of the Unemployment Board, the Manawatu Employment Development Committee is making a sturdy effort to bring from the idle ranks a number of men who, in other days, earned their livelihood from the building and allied trades. To do so depends upon the measure of support given by the general public who, in turn, are restricted by their financial resources. Nevertheless, there is much to be said for the energetic committee which is endeavouring to stimulate activity where practically none has prevailed during’ past months. It is a constructive effort to lessen the evil effects of the social disturbance caused by the accumulation, in the past two years, of the numbers of unemployed. Under No. 10 scheme the Government is subsidising labour engaged in the erection of buildings and for carrying out repairs and renovations. Fearing that little advantage is being taken of this opportunity to carry out work at a cheaper cost than in the past, the Committee, set up at a representative meeting of residents, has now embarked upon its campaign. In the towns and cities there is, no doubt, building work that can be undertaken, while in the country farmers may be in need of new sheds or other ' buildings. By doing the work now, it is emphasised, men will be brought back to their trade and given a more congenial occupation, and therefore a better outlook, than obtains under No. 5 scheme. The building industry was formerly one of the Dominion’s important avenues of employment. For the year ended March 31, 1930, 11,000 men were employed, including working proprietors, and the wages they received amounted to ,£2,650,000; 116 females were engaged in clerical duties and they received £12,800. Buildings of all classes erected, and jobbing and repair work carried out in 1929-30 had a value of £9,400,000, and in the previous year £9,700,000. Since then there has been a sharp decline in the numbers employed, the economic crisis being solely responsible. But when the building industry is brisk, other trades enjoy corresponding benefits, so that, the Committee state, if people who contemplate work will now have it done not one, but several branches of employment will benefit. In view of the exceptional conditions, the opportunity for a subsidy and the. low cost of materials, the Committee nro'es residents of town and country to give this matter their serious consideration.