STEEL SHORTAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22613, 29 December 1936, Page 3

STEEL SHORTAGE

PIG-IRON " RATIONED " POSITION IN BRITAIN WORKS AT CAPACITY Great activity rules in all branches of the iron and steel industry in Britain. In several departments the producers are unable to do more than meet current obligations, and a real scarcity prevails, says a, recent report of the London iron and Steel Exchange. No relief has been experienced iu the foundry pig-iron market from the stringent conditions which have been in force recently, and, although the makers are endeavouring to meet the situation by rationing their customers, some inconvenience lias been caused, and in several cases lower grades of iron have been taken as substitutes for those generally used. Supplies of hematite iron are also restricted, and although heavy deliveries are being made to the steelworks, the future is regarded with some concern. The works producing semi-finished material are operating at capacity, but arc unable to meet fully the heavy requirements of the consuming industries. The situation in this department, however, is not so difficult as that prevailing before the additional quantities of Continental "semis" were imported. in the finished steel section of the market, all departments are working at practically full rate, and most of the works have sufficient orders on their books to cnablo them to maintain output at current rates for several months to come. The demand on export account has shown some improvement of laie, but the British steelmakers have comparatively little available for overseas markets owing to the heavy pressure of home requirements

LEAD DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION BUR EAU The inauguration of a Lead Products Technical Information Bureau was announced at a meeting of the Industries Development Council in London by the chairman, Sir. H. S. Tasker. The services of well-known authorities on modern building materials have been secured for the permanent stafl of this information centre, which will also have access to the specialist knowledge of leading consultants on lead work and painting. The bureau will function as the distribution centre for information on standard and improved practice in lead and lead-paint work. Information sheets, with detailed drawings and explanatory text, and bulletins of a more detailed character and wider scope, are scheduled for publication, the programme including such subjects as lead for sound vibration insulation, lead for X-ray protection, the use of lead paints in the protection of shipbuilding materials, and in the protection of the steelwork now universally used in large-scale building enterprises.

PUKEKOHE PRODUCE

POTATOES CONTINUE FIRM ONIONS SLIGHTLY EASIER [from our own correspondent] PUKEKOHE, Monday Business in locally-grown potatoes opened to-day with the price continuing firm at the pre-holiday level, £5 a ton f.o.r. Pukekohe, or 5s 9d per cwt. With ihe dry weather of the past few days, onions are ripening off and the quality is improving. Supplies are free, with quotations at 13s and 14s per cwt. This is Is easier than last Monday. Cabbages continue to sell at 4s 6d a sack, green peas at 8s 6d a sugar bag, carrots at 6s a sugar bag, and rhubarb at 3s 3d a dozen bundles.-

RECORD DAIRY SEASON RANG ITAI Kl PLAINS AREA RAPID GROWTH OF CROPS [by TELEGRAPH —OWN" correspondent] WHAIvATANE, Monday The dairy farmers on tho Bangitaiki Plains are experiencing a record season. The pastures are in excellent condition. There has been a great increase in the number of cows milked, and the result is that the factories in the district are working at high pressure to cope with the largo volume of milk and cream.

Large quantities of ensilage and hay are being harvested for winter "fodder,, and the majority of farmers have nearly finished the bulk of their harvesting. A number of stacks have been built to more than usual size, as crops have been so abundant this season. Sheopfarmers also have been busy completing shearing, which is almost finished. Maize crops aro looking particularly well, tho warm conditions causing very rapid growth following the long spell of wet weather in November.

EXCESS OF RAIW POSITION IX CANTERBURY [BY TKLEGHAI'H —PKESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCEI Monday Recent heavy rain is exceedingly unwelcome in Canterbury. Shearing has been interrupted and delayed, wheat and oats crops need dry weather and sunshine, and pastures are too lush and soft for fattening sheep and lambs Much of the hay harvest lias been damaged or completely lost through too frequent rain during the period since it has been cut. Dairy farmers, however, are well pleased. Seldom has the milk yield been so good, and never have dairy cattle looked so sleek. The Canterbury Plains randy look so green as they are now. Parched areas arc to be expected in mid-summer, but this year not a brown patch appears anywhere.

ANNUAL STOCK SALE

WAIRARAPA SHEEP BREEDERS Very good entries have been received from breeders in the Wairarapa, Wanganui, HaAvke's Bay and Manawatu districts for the annual sale of the Wairarapa stud sheep breeders, to be hold on the Masterton Showgrounds on January 12. For this sale, which attracts buyers from all parts of the Dominion and from Australian States, all sheep are penned and sold under cover, and purchasers will have ample time to select before the animals enter the selling ring. Romney ram entries are larger than usual, while there will be 30 choice Southdown rams from imported sires.