Department Alive to Hokitika’s Housing Requirements

Grey River Argus, 22 April 1948, Page 2

Department Alive to Hokitika’s Housing Requirements

“You may rest' assured that the Housing Construction Department is fully aware of the housing needs qi this town, and will cto everything possible to alleviate the present housing shortage,” states the Minister or Works, the Hon. R. Semple in a letter to Mr J. B. Kent, M.P., for Westlann, in reference to the housing shortage in Hokitika. • . , Forwarding a' letter which has been sent to the Hokitika Progress League, following representations by Mr Kent, the Minister states that the Department had recently reviewed the position in Hokitika. . The Minister’s letter to the Progress League states: “With reference Co your letter Ox the sth instant regarding the housing situation at Hokitika, the Housing Construction Department has foi some time been endeavouring to arrange further building contracts at Hokitika. The Department, however, experienced considerable difficulty in the past in obtaining tenders from builders and contractors, but it is expected that a contract for the erection of three house units will shortly be let. _“The Department is also endeavouring to acquire further building sections at Hokitika .and will be pleased to arrange for further building contracts should it be possible to induce builders to submit tenders for the erection oi the houses.

“Any assistance which your League can give In inducing local builders and contractors to tender for State houses when advertised, will be appreciated, and the District Supervisor of the Housing Construction ' Department in Christchurch, would welcome efforts made by you in this direction.

As regards your • suggestion that Rehabilitation trade trainees at present working in Greymouth, be employed to build houses at Hokitika, I am informed that owing to the small number of trainees now working and the probability of the school closing down when the present trainees have completed' their training Sue to, the lack of new trainees coming forward, it will not be possible to accede to your request. You may rest assure'd that my Department is fully aware of the’housing needs of your town and will do everything possible to alleviate the present housing shortage.”