CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 232, 30 September 1944, Page 4

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

CAMPS AND RE-HOUSING I (To the Editor) The housing problem can be easily overcome if we treat it in the manner of urgency it deserves. We have as fine a band of builders and con- ' tractors in New Zealand as there is : anywhere In the world. That has been proved by the able and efficient manner in which they erected the various camps, hospitals and com--1 mercial buildings in a remarkably short time. The reason? War. Well if we can do these things for war we can do the same for peace. The American camps in the city are really good, with good sanitary, arrangements and plenty of sunlight I would suggest that -.the big camp in the Domain be used to house people from the worst slum area This camp I would say, with slight alterations, would house from eighty to a hundred families. The land in slum areas would have to he taken over either by the Government or the City Council at fair valuation and blocks of flats erected thereon. As each block of flatswas completed the people could be moved back from the American camp and a fresh lot installed, to allow of the removal of further slum areas. This procedure could go on until we.had totally eliminated all the slums There will be lots to say "It can't be done." but if any of these areas were wanted for military purposes or an airport they would be taken over The suggestion to pull these camps' down and re-erect them elsewhere is ridiculous whilst the position is so acute. The labour that would be expended this way could be used in making further accommodation. I can hear a lot of people saying, "What a blot on our beautiful Domain." However, any person who would growl about it, you can rest assured, has a good home and not a leaky roof overhead. Anyway what would look better than a healthy, happy lot of children playing in the Domain until they were able to be housed in more favourable surroundings? His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Allum, is keen on helping the position. This is his opportunity. H. H. MOLLER.