Flat Subsidies Approach

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32073, 22 August 1969, Page 12

Flat Subsidies Approach

Told that it would be economically impossible, on the present Health Department subsidy limit, to provide central heating for pensioners’ flats the council wants to build at Mairehau, the Waimairi County Council last evening authorised the chairman (Mr D. B. Rich) to take the matter up with the Minister of Health (Mr McKay).

The works committee suggested that as an alternative to oil-fired central heating, electrical heating should be installed.

The County Clerk (Mr J. Reid)' said that the council’s application for $48,100 subsidy on 26 units to be built at Mairehau was still being considered by the Health Department The council’s estimate involved $151,000, or $5BOB a flat, while the Government limit for subsidy was $4BOO a unit.

The $5BOB provided for central heating, but with the installation of electrical heating, the average cost, he estimated, would be $5267. The council’s works committee said that members had suggested that the department’s limit should be increased, as other local bodies were finding it impossible to provide flats at the existing subsidy. Cr A. A. Adcock said the council had hoped to have the full block of 52 flats completed by now, only first to have the department cut the project in half, and then to cut out desirable central heating because of the unrealistic subsidy. No thought had been given to the cost to pensioners of electrical heating. He said local members of Parliament should be told of the frustration the council felt in its efforts to meet the needs of the aged. “We could reconsider the heating question if we get more subsidy,” said Mr Rich, adding that he hoped to see the Minister next week.

Roundabout—A roundabout • was favoured as the most I satisfactory solution to prob-

lems at the Memorial AvenueRussley Road intersection, and the council decided to discuss the scheme with the Paparua County Council. The cost was given as $40,000, the council’s share (less subsidy) being $5OOO. Traffic signals would cost between $23,000 and $40,000, it was reported. Signals.—A tender for $4693 was accepted on a half-share basis with Riccarton Borough Council for traffic lights at the Blenheim Road-Matipo Street intersection. It is hoped to have the lights installed by Show week-end. Lighting.—lt was agreed to call a meeting with the City Council and Paparua County Council to see if a uniform standard could be adopted for street and highway lighting. Beach Ban.—A draft by-law banning dogs and horses from Waimairi and Spencer Park beaches at certain times of year was sent to the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) for approval. , Milk Money.—Approval was given for the method of distributing the Christchurch

Metropolitan Milk Board’s assets, the council agreeing to receive its share of $11,067 immediately and the balance, $3691, by 1971.

Building.—Bidding permits worth $1,012,070 were issued in July, compared with $511,811 in July, 1968. The major item last month was $97,186 for Rochester Hall, at the university at Ham.