PREFABRICATED HOUSES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26121, 25 May 1950, Page 6

PREFABRICATED HOUSES

PLANS OF CONTRACTOR AT NELSON From Our Own Reporter NELSON, May 24. Various organisations in Australia, which had shown interest in his proposals, pressed him during his visit last week to the Commonwealth to move his equipment for the production of prefabricated housing units from Nelson to Australia and work in collaboration with them, said Mr H. N. Dalhoff, a Swedish contractor today. As so much had already been invested in the scheme based on Nelson he hoped to carry out his original plans if possible. Although the new Government had not examined the details of his proposal officials of the Housing Department had been in communication with him and were “friendly inclined” towards his plans. However, production was at present far from reality. Sufficient equipment was stored in Nelson for the theoretical manufacture of foundation blocks, wall sections and structural members for 4000 houses a year, but he thought the demand for houses was exaggerated, Mr Dalhoff said. Although many persons sought housing few were able to buy their own homes and houses owned by him at Nelson had stood empty for a considerable time. He had been approached by persons who were not able to pay the rental. His proposals ’ had been submitted to the Government but he did not expect further word for some months. He thought the Nelson district ideal for the construction of his housing factory and with official sanction would begin manufacture if there was a reasonable prospect of selling his product. However, the scheme would not be economic unless a minimum of 1000 houses was produced annually. Under existing regulations industry might find itself without an adequate supply of materials, such as cement. Several designs had been prepared, mainly for single-storey houses of about 1200 square feet in area and experience abroad showed that any size of one-storey house could be constructed for a cost which was 20 per cent, less than a house built-by conventional methods. Builders would not suffer under lhe scheme as dealing would be normally done through industry and builders would erect houses. “I will probably deliver prefabricated bridges before houses.” Mr Dalhoff said. He declined to enlarge on this statement, other than to say that they would be constructed in Nelson. His previous suggestions had stirred other interests to act along the same lines and although this had assisted in easing the housing problem it had not benefited his plans.

Asked about his 800-ton motor vessel, the Viria. Mr Dalhoff said he was “fed up” with the shipping industry in New Zealand as there were too many obstacles. Although he had intended to make Nelson headquarters for his shipping scheme, he had been prevented by red tape and narrow-minded competition and had sent the Viria to Australia. She would not return for a long time.