HOUSING POLICY CRITICISED

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27367, 4 June 1954, Page 7

HOUSING POLICY CRITICISED

CHRISTCHURCH SAID TO BE NEGLECTED

“The Minister of Housing (Mr W Sullivan) says 16,700 houses were built during the year ended March 31. Can tile Minister tell me how many homes were built in Christchurch during that period?’ said the chairman of the nousing committee of the Christchurch City Council (Cr C. Baldwin) in a statement last evening on the announcement by the Minister. “My reason for asking this question is that two years ago I had published a statement announcing that more than 2000 houses were urgently needed in Christchurch,” said Cr. Baldwin. “Since that time the figure has increased to nearly 3900. “Also, last November I spent half a day with the Minister inspecting housing sites within and around Christchurch. Schemes for building on these have not been proceeded with. Bearing in mind that £8,000,000 in loans has been provided for housing and £7,000,000 already spent, can the Minister explain why Christchurch has been neglected? “I also discussed with the Minister the possibility of securing a 50 per cent, subsidy instead of a 33 1-3 per cent, subsidy for pensioners’ cottages. The Minister agreed to a 50 per cent, subsidy providing the City Council built for the single aged person. He will not now grant the increase in subsidy. The City Council is in a quandary as to whether it should continue building for the aged although the need is still urgent for such homes. “The City Council has had a scheme in mind for building 38 homes for working persons in Linwood avenue and at North Beach, but owing to the high-handedness of the Government about advancing the money required, £103,000. the scheme has been held up. This is due to the Minister’s inability to understand and appreciate the housing requirements of Christchurch,” Cr. Baldwin concluded.