Mr. Semple Looks Into Kawakawa Problems

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 9

Mr. Semple Looks Into Kawakawa Problems

Several matters were discussed by Kawakawa Town Board members with the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, when a deputation waited on him at Kawakawa. Removal of the railway from the main street, and general housing problems were the main subjects of discussion. Mr Semple informed the deputation that the railway removal suggestion, was already under consideration, and plans and proposals would be submitted to the Highways Board. He agreed that the railway should be shifted, and it was merely a question of doing this in the best ancf most economical way. Completion of. the paving of the main street would be carried out immediately the plant, which was now working in the district, had finished the more urgent jobs upon which it was engaged, continued Mr Semple. Improvements of the hill near the Post Office would bo carried out at the same time. Acute Housing Shortage. Dealing with housing, the Minister explained that the acute shortage of houses was well realised by the Government. In Wellington alone, there was a shortage of over 6000.

Scarcity of skilled labour was the biggest problem facing the Government in this respect, the shortage of builders, plumbers, and other skilled tradesmen being estimated at 5000. Tliis shortage was a legacy from the slump years, when apprentices were put out to work as navvies. In consequence of this, the Government's policy was to select and import skilled tradesmen from Australia. This was being done, explained Mr Semple. The Minister paid a tribute to the skill of young New Zealanders. •■With the use of modern methods of construction, with up-to-date machinery. I have found the young Now Zealanders the finest tradesmen and operators I have ever been associated with,” he declared. “All they want is a chance to learn and use their skill, and they are' getting that chance now, and have made good. lam all for them."