MINERS’ HOSTELS AT RUNANGA AND DOBSON CONSIDERED

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 October 1948, Page 2

MINERS’ HOSTELS AT RUNANGA AND DOBSON CONSIDERED

An indication that the Mines Department is still investigating _ the question of the erection of miners’ hostels at Runanga and Dobson was given by the Minister of Mines, Mr A. McLagan, speaking at Blackball on Saturday night. Hostel accommodation for 24 men was being provided at Blackball, added the Minister. Next month, the Huntly (Waikato) hostel would be opened and accommodation for 64 men was being provided at Granity. Outlining improvements made in the conditions of miners since 1935, the Minister said that the Mines Department had built 151 homes for rental purposes, including 29 in the Grey district, and had made housing loans available to the extent of £15,735 last year for the erection of 11 new homes and the purchase * of another 11.

In addition, authority to erect a total of 220 State houses had been given, including 50 at Reefton, 20 at Granity and Ngakawau, 20 at Dobson and 10 at Waimangaroa. In the. provision of amenities in and about the mining townships, £23,530 had been spent by the Government since 1935, including over £3OOO last year. These amenities included 11 swimming baths, 22 sports areas, 18 tennis courts, eight croquet greens, eight public halls, 18 bowling greens and 16 libraries.