CONCRETE HOUSES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 102, 1 May 1919, Page 2

CONCRETE HOUSES.

(To the Editor.)

fsir,—-In connection with the article in your issue of the 29th ult., uudor the heading “Concrete Houses,” taken from the Post, it may be stated that the question of housing interests directly everybody- -Especially this the case at the present time. It is opportune that tho people of Nelson should - be made dware .that concrete, in one of , (he ipany forms in which it can be used, i« especially adapted to the' COTstihctidn of dwelling houses. It makes a'cheap, liucvtitig," and|. effective meariis . of, oottstructidn. The colour of■concrete ip itpnatural form not pleasing to all; but this is easily overcome by pebble dash oil tho exterior,"or by the addition? of Colouring matter embedded' into .the surface. In the greater, part of the manufacturing districts of France before the war, the workers were . being housed by the company in concrete houses, During the war period, and' now, tlio, munition workers and otherw were, jn ail Allied countries (> ineptly housed in concrete houses, which are recognised as'- asset for all time, so contracted. It is noteworthy that in ■the acute problem of Building at Home, .Commissions, have given concrete the premier place. The time has come do this young country when we must build in more substantial' material. The time has gone past when timber,being so cheap and first cost being lowest, was considered to warrant building in wood, with all its charges increasing in Upkeep as years rolled on. It is needless to point out that fire is reduced to a minimum. The upkeep ie practically nil, and tho cost is below that of wood, and always will be as the. cost of timber increases, while gravel remains at our door, eo to speak, Waiting to do us service. I am, etc., : GHAS. CHAMBERLAIN.