MODERN COMFORTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2884, 24 March 1939, Page 5

MODERN COMFORTS

STATE RENTAL HOUSES

ROOMS FACING THE SUN

PLENTY OF CUPBOARD SPACE

Points from' the specifications relating to the State rental houses were enumerated by Mr Jas. Thorn, M.P. for Thames, speaking at the official opening ceremony at Paeroa on Wednesday in connection with the comforts being provided by the Government for the workers. Some of the main features are as follow: — In addition to the nominal accommodation each house has a bathroom, separate lavatory, laundry and fuel store, while a number have dining alcoves. Some houses have garages incorporated in their structure and provisions is also being made for a number of community garages which will be rented separately. The houses are designed and located to provide for sun in the living rooms and principal bedrooms. This means that in many cases small windows face the south which sometimes happens to be the street frontage. This fact has caused some comment at times.

All houses have concrete foundations reinforced against earthquake stresses.

Special care has been taken in providing ample ventilation under the floor so as to prevent the rotting of timber.

All timber below the floor:, level and all weatherboards are heart timber.

Because of the Government’s policy to use New Zealand materials as far as possible in the construction of these housing schemes, practically all roofs are of New Zealand-made tiles, either burnt clay or concrete.

All kitchens are finished in attractive colour shades and are provided with copious cupboard space, built-in sideboards, large safes and vegetable cupboards. The bulk of the houses are provided with electric ranges, some with gas cookers and, where necessary, some with stoves, all of the latest designs of New Zealand manufacture.

Every house is provided with a storage hot water system, making hot water available at any hour of the day or night. The hot water is laid on to the sink, the bathroom and to the laundry. Above the hot water cylinder in each house is a large cupboard with shelving on which to dry out linen.

Terrazzo sink tops of different colours* are provided* in the kitchens. Cloak cupboards, linen cupboards and broom cupboards are provided in practically every house. All bedrooms have built-in wardrobes.

All bathrooms are equipped with built-in enamel baths, basins and shaving cabinets with mirrors. An electric power plug is fitted in practically every room, and in every living room an additional electric power plug is fitted for the wireless. With a view to avoiding the erection of unsightly aerials, the department has provided aerials concealed in the ceilings of the houses and each living room is furnished with a neat fitting on the wall to which to connect the aerial and ground wires of a wireless set.

A laundry equipped with concrete tubs and a copper and also a separate fuel store are provided under the main roof.

Each house is provided with concrete paths and a revolving clothes line.