HOUSE SHORTAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20141, 10 January 1940, Page 6

HOUSE SHORTAGE

GISBORNE POSITION USE OF NEW PROPERTY EXTENSION OF SCHEME PENSIONERS’ FLATS PLAN Steps to relieve the housing shortage in Gisborne by the erection of State houses were explained to the Gisborne Borough Council last night in a letter from the Minister of Housing, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, who stated that arrangements were being made to develop the intermediate school block. The letter was a reply’ to a letter from the council drawing attention to the acute housing shortage in the borough and the condition of some of the houses, the letter suggesting that a plan for building pensioners’ flats might be investigated.

“I can assure you that the Government fully realises the position,” the Minister’s reply stated, “and I would draw your attention to the fact that since it commenced operation in your town tenders have been called for no less than 126 State houses; 46 of these are now occupied, and the early completion of the remainder is now a matter for your local contractors.

“It is proposed to call further tenders when development work of the property which the department has taken over is advanced sufficiently, but in this regard I would mention that the director of housing construction informs me that he is at present awaiting a reply on certain points from your borough engineer.

“With regard to the question of erecting pensioners’ flats, this matter will receive careful consideration when further contracts are being prepared.”

The Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., said* that the reply was very satisfactory.