HOME AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 28, 3 February 1939, Page 8

HOME AGAIN.

AFTER TEN YEARS. a AUCKLAND ARCHITECT. LONDON HOUSING SCHEME. The thrill of returning to Auckland after an absence of 10 years was experienced this morning I)}' Mr. C. Ross McLean, son of the late Mr. Murdoch .McLean, of Mount Albert, who was the original contractor for the Otira tunnel. Mr. McLean, who arrived by the liner Oronsay, went to London to complete his studies as an architect and is. now nn Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He received nil engagement with the London County Council/ being attached to tlio housing department, but for the last four years Avas in business on his own account. His -work dealt chiefly with the designing of Hats and private residences.

"I am delighted to bo back in Xew Zealand again," said Mr. McLean this morning. "I have been married since I went away and have brought my wife and family with inc. We intend to settle hero permanently. Recent times have been most trying ill England.. September's scare made many people think it was a good place to be out of."

Mr. McLean said that some of the slum areas that the London County Council had taken over for tlio purpose of erecting largo blocks of flats tfor the /working people were in a shocking condition. A great, change had been brought about, however, ami slums <were being abolished everywhere. "Many millions have been ' spent in converting these areas," ho said. "The demolition of old and insanitary buildings had been undertaken systematically and the tenants have now accommodation with every modern convcniecc, any they are proud of their dwellings."

Mr. McLean said tliat in addition to building largo blocks of dwelling houses, the London County Council had also undertaken the construction of houses 'in country" districts. People had been transferred to these suburban homes, where new schools had been bnilt and all the usual amenities provided. While some of the houses were single unit, others were built to accommodate two or three families, each having a separate unit. Rents ranged from 10/ to 22/ a week, the latter being for a house with three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. .