Builder complains about demand for modern conveniences: 1919

 Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 147, 24 June 1919, Page 6

A master builder of Masterton stated that the cost of building to-day was not due so much to the increase in labour and material as to the modern conveniences required.

People a few years ago were satisfied with a zinc bath and plain fireplaces. To-day they insisted upon an enamel bath (costing £14), tiled fireplaces in every room, expensive panellings, the best of gas fittings, and all sorts of other luxuries.