Housing Shortage In Feilding

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 281, 28 November 1945, Page 2

Housing Shortage In Feilding

The acute shortage of housing in Feilding was again discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce when the president, Air. 1. B. Goldfinch, made a brief survey of" tho position during which he referred to tne continued delay in tho replacement of the post office. It had been estimated that Feilding was sending out of the town each week a sum of £6OO because of'a lack of suitable accommodation- for seasonal work-

ers, he stated. He had approached the hotels to ascertain whether they could assist the position regarding seasonal workers and the proprietors had been most helpful but the immediate prospects were not bright as available accommodation had been bespoke in favour of Netherland Bast Indies refugees who were likely to be coming to Feilding, However he had given thought to the idea that citizens might be able to help the position particularly in the case of married men.

Air. P. G. Guy had looked at the position from the angle of houses suitable for conversion into flats. He had discussed the matter with the Poiver Board which had agreed to make available power for an electric range, and hot water service where a property owner was prepared to convert his home into flats to assist tho housing position. Tho Power Board would be prepared to install the range etc. on tho basis of 1U per cent of the cost down and the balance spread over 3 years. This he suggested was quite an attractive offer and he hoped it would appeal to those concerned.

Air. H. V. Hubbard agreed that it was desirable to make every effort to provide accommodation in the town for the seasonal workers of whom there were 60, mostly married. Airs. A. J. Miller stated that she had been approached by several single men for accommodation and arrangements had been made for them to have rooms about the town and she had undertaken to meal them at her restaurant.

After further discussion it was agreed to arrange to advertise appealing for assistance towards meeting the problem of accommodation for seasonal workers.