BRICKMAKING PROBLEM

Skilled Labour the Great Need

AMONG the numerous problems of reconstruction, there is none that will affect the masses of the working population and the majority of demobilised soldiers more directly than that of housing.

The urgency of the need, and the benefits that will accrue from the provision of more houses, have become generally recognised. Recently, Government restrictions on building were withdrawn, but with municipal and Government action almost certain, private enterprise for all practical purposes is at present shelved. Newport and Monmouthshire in pre-war days acquired a wide reputation in the manufacture of bricks, both as to quantity and quality. The making of bricks as quickly as possible has become of vital importance. The ability of our home manufacturers to meet demand depends very largely on the period it will take to deal effectively with the housing problem.

Local Brickworks

A representative of the South Wales Argus has made numerous inquiries locally. In the main, the position resolves itself into the urgent need for the immediate demobilisation of skilled men who volunteered or were taken from the various works. A statement was published on Tuesday that, in order to speed up their building programme, the Government had placed large orders for bricks, windows and doors, but, as far as can be ascertained, none of these orders have yet reached Newport.

The St Julian's Brickyard has for some time been utilised for the storage of explosives. These, we learn, are now being rapidly removed, and it is anticipated that the manufacture of bricks will be resumed about February. The machinery has been kept in good working order, and there is a plentiful supply of raw materials. A long period of work at high pressure is looked forward to, and the pre-war output can be materially increased if sufficient labour is forthcoming.

The Star Brickworks, Llantarnam, have been working during the war executing orders for Government departments. Their output has, of course, diminished owing to depletion of workers. Still, work has proceeded, and the plant is in thoroughly good working order. Government orders are still being executed, and if suitable labour was forthcoming, the output would at once be increased. the big difficulty experienced by the management is that of finding skilled men - men who can set and draw bricks. Practically all such younger men engaged in 1914 answered their country's call, and the majority are still with the Forces. their places were filled by semi-skilled men, who had to be trained. These men are now useful, but to secure any substantial increase in the output, skilled men must be returned without delay. Hopes of this being done are entertained. Applications have been made for the return of men employed in August 1914, and a close touch is kept with the Employment exchanges. The labour problem is the crux of the whole matter.

At Messrs. Tunnadine's Works, Malpas Road, the output has, during the war, been one third less than formerly. here also, the works are in good order, and we are assured that if the orders come along, and sufficient labour can be secured, the pre-war output of 40,000 a week can be exceeded. As in the case of all the other brickyards, materials and machinery are ready. Labour is the one great necessity.

The Allt-yr-yn Brickworks is at present at a standstill, but we learn that the plant has been looked after, awaiting a return to peace conditions.