State Blocks Kawakawa From Building Houses

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 9

State Blocks Kawakawa From Building Houses

(Special) • KAWAKAWA, This Day. A conclusion that the authorities arc determinedly making it difficult i’or local bodies to assist their ratepayers by providing alleviation for the acute housing shortage was reached by commissioners ct' the Kawakawa Town Board, who held a special meeting to discuss progreys ol their proposal to build a number of houses in Kawakawa for sale to tenants on a 35year term. The board’s scheme provides for raising of Ihe money by Joan and for repayment of the money in the rental received. At the end of the term, tile board would be so much better oil for having additional ratepaying properties, while there would in the meantime be little need for ever collecting the guaranty rate. Commissioners were appraised of the moves of the State Housing Department, which appeared to indicate clearly that it was strongly opposed to construction of houses for sale by any local authority. The position is aggravated in their eyes by the fact that the department, after nearly a year, has still not yet completed purchase of a five-acre block on which up to 20 State rental units may be erected.

The Kawakawa Chamber of Commerce lias also interested itself in the housing situation. Its latest move is to write to the Minister for Housing requesting a statement as to when the proposed State housing scheme will be started.