RURAL HOUSING

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 114, 2 October 1940, Page 3

RURAL HOUSING

POORLY BUILT COTTAGES I) 1S AP P OIN TMEN T EXPRESSED •J have inspected (wo houses being built under the rural housing scheme, and in both eases I must say I was bitterly disappointed wild the work,” declared Mr W. A. Peterson al Monday’s meeting of the’ Franklin County Council. Mr Peterson and the county engineer. Mr A. C. Bellamy, are the council’s inspectors under Hie scheme. Mr Peterson said in one case in particular Ihe construction was inferior. The building had been poorly erected and was unquestionably Ihe work of an amateur carpenter. Good materials had been spoiled. He expressed the opinion that much stricter supervision would he necessary in Ihe lulure il the council’s interests were to lie safeguarded. lie admitted I hat in Ibis case tlm house had been partly built when Ihe loan was applied lor and it was granted lo permit of the building being completed. “The only Ibing Ibal J could see that was really up to standard was the chimney,” added Mr Peterson.

The county clerk, Mr Alan P. Day, said that immediately lie received Mr Peterson’s report he had communicated with the owner emphasising the need of having Ihe construction brought up to the standard required and he had given an undertaking to do so. He had also been notified that payment under the loan was being withheld until such time as the standard of the building bad been, improved. In this case, be added, the building was on the way when Hie loan was granted. Payments under the rural bousing loan scheme, lie pointed out. were no! being made except on the certificate of Mr Peterson and the engineer, both of whom knew what was required. The council confirmed a resolution passed on August 26, to borrow an additional £IO,OOO for rural housing, and lo make and levy a special rate of 1 -30 cl in the £ as security for the loan.