NEW VETERANS’ HOMES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26199, 24 August 1950, Page 6

NEW VETERANS’ HOMES

PROPOSALS outlined BY MR M AC GIBBON

Questions whether the National Patriotic Fund Board had settled iii policy about the building of vfetefflfir homes and their location were asked by members of the Canterbury Provincial Patriotic Countil yesterday afternoon. The definite ultimate airti was Sbt one hoffie in the North Island and one in the South island, said the chaif* mah of the standing committee (Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon). He Was replying to statements that various provincial centres thought a series of smaller homes should be maintained. The national board was determined that the two eventual homes should hot be “institutions” in the wofit sense of that word* Mr MdcGibbon said. He was srire they Would b® homes where returned men would be happy to live. Inquiries were alsd made about the progress of buildings plafined in Canterbury. Mr Mac Gibbon said that extensive renovations to Beverley House. Timaru. had been authorise*, He thought such existing homes Would continue to serve While there Was a demand: but the men would eVefitually be united in one home for the South Island. The Hanson’s lane property in Christchurch had been bought and praised after inspection by the national council. Mr Mac Gibbon laid, replying to suggestions that a site on the Cashmere Hills would have been 9 r ®X®f. able - Handiness to shopping facilities and transport to the city were among the advantages of the Hanson’s lane site. Mr Mac Gibbon said the building of a new Rannerdale Home was the first project on that site. Plans were being prepared. The South Island home was only at the sketch-plan stage. For a start it would possibly be a relatively building, with provision for additional wings.