STATE SUBSIDY ON FLATS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 12

STATE SUBSIDY ON FLATS

Council Objects To Condition

"I think we should take very strong action on this.” said Cr. H. L. Oram at a meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council last evening, when a letter was received from the Health Department saying that a £6BOO subsidy for eight pensioners’ flats had been approved, provided no payment is made until March 31, 1958.

The council decided to write to the Health Department, protesting against delay in payment of the subsidy. It was rather strange, if the Government wanted the council to build the houses as quickly as possible, that the subsidy should be held up for three months, said Cr. K. Sinclair. “The Ministers concerned wish to give the impression that they will do all they can for housing the people, but when it comes to giving out money they are very reluctant.”

“We have arrived at the stage where we wish to call tenders for this scheme,” said Cr Oram. “If we want it to go according to plan we will definitely require the money before March 31. One thing the council cannot do is build the houses on

an overdraft and have that overdraft on the books on March 31. “I think we should take very strong action in this matter, follow it up with all possible speed, and get the subsidies available in January at the latest. "Some of the applicants are beginning to wonder if they will ever have the opportunity of getting into a State house,” Cr Oram said.