HOUSING PROBLEM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 46, 4 December 1945, Page 2

HOUSING PROBLEM

RETURNED MEN'S VIEWS TEMPORARY SCHEME URGED In accordance with a recommendation from a special meeting of returned servicemen last week, the Executive of the Ashburton branch of the Returned Services’ Association last evening appointed a deputation comprising Messrs W. G. Welsh (president), A. W. White, L. Kerr and E. J. Daniel (secretary) to discuss a temporary housing scheme with'the Borough Council. Reporting on the meeting where the suggestion arose of men returned from the recent war, Mr White said the scheme would be only temporary, as it would operate until sufficient permanent residences were made available. “This will ensure that it does not become a borough-sponsored slum area,” he said. He suggested that Mr L. W. Baxter bring out plans, for a water-tight scheme to present to the Borough Council. Members made favourable comment on the action of the Timaru Borough Council ip converting army huts into housing blocks. The last time a plan was brought forward, said Mr Baxter, the Council would have had to buy the army huts —now they could be obtained without cost, the only charges involved being for Avater, drainage, transport and alterations. “No one would expect the Association to build houses for returned men,” said Mr Welsh in answer to a question. “Suggestions, not demands, Avill be put before the Council. The accommodation problem will become more acute when servicemen, whose wives are still living with their parents, return and want to establish homes of their own.” It was stated that there Avere 18 exservicemen waiting for houses in Ashburton and probably many more civilians.