HOUSING AND SCHOOLS FIRST

Evening Star, Issue 22723, 10 August 1937, Page 14

HOUSING AND SCHOOLS FIRST

PRECEDENCE OVER PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. August 9. Requirements demanding attention before the completion of Parliament Buildings could be undertaken were referred to by flic Prime Minister (the Right Hon. M. J. Savage) in an interview to-night. Housing and schools, he said, would have to come first. “ First things must come first.” Mr Savage said when asked if a start with the completion of Parliament Buildings was likely to form part of next year’s Public Works programme, so that the buildings might he finished in time for the New Zealand centennial celebrations. ” I agree that it is desirable to have the buildings finished by 1940 and that tlie provision of proper accommodation for the Legislature would be one of tlie ways by which the centennial could be adequately marked,” Mr Savage continued, “ hut it is difficult to say exactly when a start can be made. The Government's - objective is quite clear. The housing of the people and school accommodation with a view to irightening generally the conditions under which the children are taught will come first. A number of other public buildings are also urgently required. “ Apart from ihe necessity for these services.” he said. “ there is also the question of skilled labour. The number of skilled tradesmen is limited. Even once a start has been made there are a thousand and one factors affecting progress, and it would be difficult for one to say that, this or that will he completed in such and such a year.”