MR J. W. HUGGINS HONOURED

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28253, 15 April 1957, Page 10

MR J. W. HUGGINS HONOURED

Former Chief City Inspector

The care of problem families was not a duty which local bodies should be asked to carry out the former Chief City Inspector (Mr J. W. Huggins) told guests who attended a farewell function in his honour at the Takahe on Saturday. Mr Hpggins was recalling various aspects of his long service with the council, and he said that he was retiring too soon. There was still much to be done in the city. “But the case of problem families has to be worked on It is a serious matter in this citv and it must be taken up. It should be handled in a national manner, it is not a local body affair,” said Mr Huggins. The housing problem that faced aged persons was another thing he had worked on. “Many old people have saved for many years to buy a home. When the husband retires and receives a pension they very soon find themselves living uneconomically in a large house. “There could perhaps be something the Government could arrange for them—an exchange for a smaller house without any costs involved,” he suggested. Harewood Transit Camp There had been much criticism about the Harewood transit camp, he continued. “Harewood was the first scheme

of its type started in New Zealand. We’ve had bad tenants, but 90 per cent, have been good and they have been able to appreciate the facilities which were available at Harewood.” If he had been successful in his position and had the goodwill of many persons expressed to him while he was Chief Inspector, it was only because he had worked with good councils, said Mr Huggins. “I am grateful to this council and others and I am happy that they do not think I have let them down.

“My department has no shop windows. All we have to do is put the boot in—statutes, regulalations and by-laws, and any neglect could be the cause of an epidemic.” Both the Mayor (Mr R. farlane, M.P.) and Cr. H. P Smith paid tributes to Mr Huggins’s service with the council. Mr and Mrs Huggins were presented with a travelling clock and a large mantel clock. His personal staff earlier had held a social in Mr Huggins’s honour, and the Municipal Officers’ Association presented him with a canteen of cutlery.