SUPPLY OF HOUSES

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1936, Page 11

SUPPLY OF HOUSES

GOVT.’S SCHEME OUTLINED.

[per press association.]

WELLINGTON, July 22

The Government’s scheme for housing in the Dominion provides for the appointment of a Parliamentary Director of Housing and the establishment of a special department to deal with the scheme. In an interview today, the Prime Minister (Mr. Savage) said that the scheme was well advanced, and only a few more details had to be completed before the full programme could be announced. Mr. Sa 5 - age made it clear that although a relatively moderate start would be made with the scheme, ultimately thousands of homes would be built in distiicts throughout the Dominion where the need for houses was most in gent. Flic cottage standard rather than the construction of flats would be aimed at. “We intend to appoint a man whose sole job will be to supervise and generally direct the housing scheme,’’ said Mr. Savage. “It does not follow that he will have the title of director, but that virtually will be his position. There will have to be a separate housing department, but, of course, the whole scheme will come under the general control of the Minister for Finance.”

Mr. Savage indicated that so far no definite number of houses had been fixed for construction under the scheme, but it was intended to go forward as rapidly as possible. For a start, progress would necessarily be slow.’ It was the intention of the Government that the cottage standard of home should be built under the scheme, in preference to flats, so that each family could have its own home, and could enjoy privacy. Houses would be built both for renting and for purchase by the owners, because it had been found in a survey of the position that there was a demand for both types.

‘‘So far, the Government has not pur-, chased any areas of land for housing.” Mr. Savage said, “but the State already owuis areas in different parts of the Dominion, such as those at Drake!, Lower Hutt, Miramar, and in the South Island, which would be suitable for use in the scheme. We have secured advice from all available sources about the plans we have in mind. The Institute of Architects, for instance, has offered its advice and assistance. Several local bodies have expressed willingness to co-operate witii the Government in its plans for some sort of universal housing scheme, and we will arrange, as far as possible, for local bodies to do this.”