“STUNT” CLAIM

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30668, 6 February 1965, Page 16

“STUNT” CLAIM

Minister Replies

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 5. The Government has given its approval in principle to a two-phase plan designed to provide social amenities in new housing areas. Approval was made subject to sufficient funds being made available by the Golden Kiwi Board of Control. This was stated today by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath), commenting on a statement made by Sir Basil Arthur, member of Parliament for Timaru, which alleged that the Government’s plan was an “election stunt.”

Mr Seath said the first part of the plan was subsequently approved by the Golden Kiwi board, which was a completely independent statutory body. A sum of £36,000 was made available to assist in the provision this year of six special community school halls in selected new housing areas.

The board would consider further extension of the scheme in the light of the success or otherwise of the initial project.

“The board was obliged to decline the second part of the plan, which would have provided for community centres in newly developed areas to be assisted by a loan as well as a grant,” he said. This was the part of the scheme to which Sir Basil Arthur referred. The board’s inability to assist this part of the plan was dictated by the fact that there were insufficient funds available.