ONE LARGE RESERVOIR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 29 May 1944, Page 2

ONE LARGE RESERVOIR

SUPPLIES FOR HOUSE BUILDING Auckland, May 27. “There is one large reservoir of building supplies that will play an important part during the war years and in the early post-war years,” said the Commissioner of Works, Mr James Fletcher, interviewed to-day. He referred to the buildings erected for military ■ and also to the large stocks of materI i. ■--» held in store directly for war purj poses. , Within the last few weeks release had been granted by the American authorities of certain camps and military establishments, including stores, and hospital buildings, said Mr Fletcher. Under a plan for their utilisation a start had already been made on one of the large military establishments, where the whole of the material would be salvaged. In this particular instance the site would be cleared of all buildings and services. Already one of the large recreation halls had been converted into a warehouse, and building materials of all kinds suitable for using again were being reconditioned and packed ready for handing over to the building industry. Many millions of feet of timber had gone into the establishment of individual camps. This timber was now thoroughly seasoned and within a very ! short time a quantity of timber which would permit the erection of between 100 and 150 houses would be available from this area. The use of this timber and all building supplies such as electric wiring, coppers, tubs and boilers, doors and hardware, water piping and plumbing fitments would make it possible for the supply officers to bridge the gap and would enable an increasing number of houses to be built.—P.A.