Builders Meet in Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 4

Builders Meet in Conference

DELEGATES ACCORDED CIVIC

WELCOME

In Palmerston North yesterday, the annual conference of the New Zealand Federated Builders' and Contractors' Industrial Association of Employees, opened in Palmerston North under the chairmanship of Mr. W. A. Petrie, of Timaru, president.

A civjc welcome was accorded the the visitors by tho Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, who briefly referred to the progress of the trade. It had been the first industry, he said, to feel the change in economic conditions and during the five or six years of the depression, had suffered greater than any other trade or industry. It was just showing signs of recovery with the increasing confidence of the investor, when there was a change in government and delegates knew the result as far as tho erectoin of dwellings was concerned. In 1930 the Palmerstbn North City Council issued 184 permits for houses whereas last year there had been 69 only. For the past nine months of the current year the number was 68 and included the houses being erected under the State housing scheme, It seemed to him some speedier method would have to be found to make up the leeway that had been lost. He hoped that as a result of the conference deliberations, improvements would be made in those aspects of the trade giving builders concern and that there would be closer co-operation between builders and the allied’ trades with which they did business. Mr. Mansford hoped the delegates would enjoy their stay in Palmerston North.

Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., endorsed' the Mayor's remarks which hoped for a successful conference and then made reference to the facilities available through the State Advances Department for house building purposes. In 1932 loans granted numbered 497. In 1933 the number fell to 81 and in 1934 to 11. In 1935 there was a rise to 114 and in 1936 the number was 306. In the first full year of the present government 1411 loans had been granted. Since March, 1937, the Housing Department had advertised 2385 houses and in tho year ending December 31 last, a further 929 advances had been made by the State Advances Corporation for building alone. Loans to local bodies provided fpr an additional 232 houses, so that the State was already as active as during the boom years. Privateenterprise had failed before the advent of the Labour Government. It could not be said that the present Labour Government was doing nothing to try and lift the industry into its rightful place. Building was a key industry and employed more labour than any other trade but one—the printing trade. The Minister was determined that special arrangements should be made as far as apprentices and trainees were concerned. During the depression young men between 18 and 25 years of age did not get a chance but there was to be the opportunity now and it was to be hoped the trade would end its co-operation and understanding in that direction. Nothing would be done unwittingly to make it more difficult for the industry to carry on.

Mr. E. Anderson, as president of the Manawatu branch, extended a welcome from the local builders. Mr. Petrie returned the thanks of the association and assured Mr. Hodgens that the Government, before the conference concluded, would receive quite a lot of constructive luggestions. President’s Address. Speaking on the work of the federation during the past year, the president said much had been achieved but there was still a lot to be done. Their slogan should be “protection and service." “I feel sure there is a general desire on the part of members of local associations to maintain the traditions that have so far been built up and that will afford members the best that can bo given for the advancement of their interests and the mutual benefit of all concerned," Mr. Petrie added. “There have been many difficulties in the way during the past few years, but notwithstanding, the association has forged ahead and put up a strong fight in the interests of all engaged in the industry." Annual Report. The executive reported that the membership had been well maintained. Local associations had been strengthened by increased membership. Two new associations had been formed. The income of the federation had been increased and following the general expectation mentioned in last year's annual report, the current year had shown a marked improvement. Notwithstanding the higher building costs owing to increased prices of materials, shorter hours of labour, and higher wages rates, etc., building progress, as indicated by the number of permits issued for the year and the value thereof, had shown a considerable advance. The following table showed the position:— 1937, 12,809 permits, to the value of £7,043,970. 1936, 11,853 permits, to the value of £5,523,789. Comparing the number of permits issued in 1937 with those issued in 1936, there was an increase of 956, while comparing the money value of the permits issued for alterations to existing buildings, dwellings and new buildings, there was an increase of £1,520,181 over the figures of the previous year. The permits issued for dwelling houses during the year 1937 represented an increase over the number of permits issued in 1936 by 649. Mr. W. Mill (Wellington), speaking to the annual report, said he hoped the efforts being made by the Government to help the industry, would receive recognition. The president: The Government said in one breath that it had definitely cured unemployment and in the next asked the trade to take on trainee apprentices. The scheme, as far as he knew, had not been the success hoped of it. Delegates Present. The following delegates present yesterday: Messrs. W. A. Petrie (Timaru), W. Mill (Wellington), A. Fletcher (Wellington), W. Parkin (Wellington), G. D. Dick (Wellington), M. H. Stapleton (Hamilton), W, B. Young (Hamil-

ton), T. N. Dickson (Wanganui), L. Griffiths (Dannevirke), A. McLaren (Dannevirke), F. L. Lawrence (Dannevirke), C. S. Luney (Christchurch), W. P. Glue (Christchurch), J. Johns (Christchurch), R. Jenkins (Masterton), W. E. Jones (Hutt Valley), J. H., Meyer (Wellington), J. W. Knight (Wellington), H. A. Toneycliffo (South Canterbury), E. Anderson (Manawatu), F. L. Rees (B) enheim-Nelson), V. A. Coyle (Auckland), R. A. Cornish (Auckland), IT, Lindsay (Invercargill), J. Wilson (Invercargill) and W. J. Mountjoy (Wellington secretary).