NEED FOR BREATHING SPACE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 18, 21 July 1943, Page 4

NEED FOR BREATHING SPACE

The statement by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) that he had asked the Minister of Housing Construction to endeavour to arrange for a recreation area to be provided in the plans for future blocks of State houses is welcome. As Mr. Parry said, it is important to the physical, wellbeing of the people, particularly growing boys and girls, that playing areas of easy access should be made available to them. Unfortunately, the urgency of the need for building houses has, in some areas, resulted in this consideration being overlooked. There are areas in or near Wellington which have been used for State houses where little or no provision has been made for recreation, and the result is that those living there have to go some distance to obtain the breathing space which is so essential for health. It should not be difficult, when areas to be used for the construction of State houses are being planned, to set aside sufficient space for recreation purposes. This would not only add greatly to the immediate amenities of the occupants of State houses and their families, but would act as a safeguard against overcrowding in the cities and towns of toe future. Admittedly, the. need for houses is acute and suitable building sites are precious, but it is also vital that the future health and wellbeing of the people, from the point of view of recreational facilities, should not be overlooked- It is to be hoped that the housing authorities will take notice of Mr. Parry's valuable suggestion.