HOMES FOR AGED PENSIONERS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22662, 17 March 1939, Page 12

HOMES FOR AGED PENSIONERS

CITY’S BUILDINGS COMMENDED

INFORMAL VISIT BY HON

W. E. PARRY

Congratulations to the Christchurch City Council on the part it was playing in providing homes for old-age pensioners were extended yesterday afternoon by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister for Pensions.

When on an inspection in the electorate of Mr T. H. McCombs, M.P., Mr Parry made an informal call at the Slate houses being built at the corner of Dyer’s road and Ferry road. The houses there, which are nearing completion, include a double unit for pensioners. Their homes comprise a living room, a sleeping alcove, and a kitchenette.

Because he was interested in the rental of 14s 6d proposed for the State pensioners’ homes and the rental of 12s 6d proposed by the City Council for the flats which it is building at Sydenham, Mr Parry made a special visit to inspect the city’s project. The visit was quite informal. An answer to the Minister’s query was soon provided, information being given him that the. land on which the council was building was the council’s property. The pensioners’ homes on both the City Council and State blocks are similar in design, and the specifications drawn up for the council houses follow closely those for the State buildings. . The situation of.the council’s flats was praised by the Minister. The homes overlook Sydenham Park. Mr Parry recalled that he had issued a number of questionnaires to pensioners asking them if they would prefer to live in the country (on a property which would give them space in which to do gardening or keep poultry), or live in the city. The questionnaire was addressed to 20 pensioners. Only one replied that he and his wife wanted a garden plot; the remaining 19 desired to live in the city.