NOT SHACKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 116, 19 May 1939, Page 9

NOT SHACKS.

STATE DWELLINGS.

REPLY TO CRITICISM. IMPROVED STANDARDS REFLECTED. "Inferior dwellings built long before the present Government came into office can be seen in every city, town and village of the Dominion," said the Minister of Housing, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, to-day when discussing the housing problem. "We are not putting up shacks, but permanent residences of which anybody can be proud," he continued. "The State does not aim at building a class of house that will have to be demolished in 20 years. The wage eainers are entitled to as good a house as it is possible for us to construct, and my answer to critics who say the houses are too good is that the dwellings being erected by the State merely reflect the improved standard of living and conditions being experienced by the Dominion."

Referring to his brief visit to the north, Mr. Armstrong said 35 houses had been completed at Whangarei and all were occupied. while 38 were in course of construction. The tenants had nothing to complain of on the score of locality. One of the most beautiful spots in the borough had been selected. On one side a picturesque native bush reserve was almost adjoining and on the opposite side the sections faced a small stream. "It is one of the most delightful spots in the Dominion," he added*! The Minister said he had inspected some sections at Dargaville as there was a strong demand there for more houses. Thirteen had recently been completed and ten were under construction. Representations had been made to him bv the borough council, the chamber of "commerce and other institutions for the construction of additional houses, and arrangements would be made for further contracts „at the earliest possible moment. "I heard nothing but praise for the houses wherever I went" he said "The tenants are all well satisfied and are living in contentment."