Supplies of Building Materials Improving

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6174, 17 March 1948, Page 4

Supplies of Building Materials Improving

ERECTION OF HOMES ACTIVITY INCREASING There is a considerable amount of building activity in Cambridge at the present time, and while the demand is still far ahead of the supply of materials, supplies are improving steadily - The timber shortage is easing with new saw-mills operating, and with the extended use of pirie timbers in building. Cement supplies are fair in most places, but they may be difficult in seme parts of the country because of transport problems. The shortage of coal is also a restricting factor in the production of cement. Supplies of wall linings are reasonable, with adequate stocks of hardboard, but fibrous plaster is scarce. Tile production has increased in New Zealand, but. the demand is exceptionally great because of the lack of alternative roofing materials, such as iron and asbestos sheeting. Malthoid is available, and this is being used frequently, especially for modern flat roofed houses. Nails are scarce at present, but the position will improve shortly when supplies arrive from foreign countries. Because of their origin these nails may be higher in price. ~ -, „■■■ """• There are adequate stocks of* electric wiring and other internal fittings, including electric stoves. ,'.T,h.ere'' ! is; however, a bottleneck in earthernware fittings for bathrooms. Local production of baths has not increased greatly since early last year, partly because of the limited amount of iron available. More baths, basins and w.c. pedestals are expected to arrive from England soon. During the past year the supply of paint has improved as the local ptoduction of- linseed oil has increased, but the variety of colours is limited. lllllllllllllllllllllllllimilllllllMlHlllMlllllllHHlHlllllHMMimi*