SURPLUS DEFENCE BUILDINGS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 97, 20 January 1944, Page 4

SURPLUS DEFENCE BUILDINGS

Question Of Disposal

DELUGE OF APPLICATIONS FOR PURCHASE

“As a result of New Zealand’s improved strategic position, the War Cabinet recently approved the closing of several army camps and other- defence establishments in various parts of the Dominion,” said the Acting Prime Minister, Mi’. Sullivan, yesterday. “A complete survey of buildings and equipment in these camps is being undertaken. but it will be some weeks before it is definitely known what buildings and equipment will be surplus and available for disposal. Wherever possible surpluses are being transferred to meet the requirements of the armed services in other districts, and also to fulfil the demands of civil departments, and thereby obviate additional expenditure which would be incurred by the Government, if such demands were met by the provision of new buildings and equipment. A survey of the future requirements of the Armed Services is also being undertaken. “I am informed,” continued Mr. Sullivan, “that there is already a deluge of applications from public organizations, private firms and persons, for the purchase of defence buildings, and it is certain there will be some delay in acknowledging the applications and supplying details and prices, as these will not be available till the surveys referred .to are completed. However, I am sure intending purchasers will appreciate the position and show patience during the next few weeks. “The Government is very anxious to see that all surplus buildings and equipment are used to best advantage, and must therefore give attention not only to providing for immediate, requirements but also post-war requirements for rehabilitation of returned servicemen, industry, health camps, youth centres, motor and tourist camps and other public organizations. The establishment of an organization to handle this work eiliciently has already been discussed by the War Cabinet, and in the near future a further public statement will be made.’