M.P.'s Plea For Those Building Part Homes

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1947, Page 3

M.P.'s Plea For Those Building Part Homes

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A PLEA for a more humanitarian attitude by the authorities toward returned servicemen wishing to build for themselves part houses which, could be expanded later into full-sized homes was made in the House of Representatives by Mr W. H. Fortune (0 —Eden). He said he had been told by a builder that if this was encouraged in his particular area this class of housing shortage would be overcome within 12 months.

Mr Fortune referred to an instance in which an ex-serviceman, assisted by his wife, had built himself a small home from a motor car case. These facts would be substantiated by the member for Otahuhu (Mr C. R. Petrie), added Mr Fortune. When he went to the Rehabilitation Department, this man was told he could not bo advanced money against such a proposition, but finally, as a result of representations made, the position had been facilitated for him. The part home which was built had a concrete foundation and a tiled roof, and reflected great credit on the young man and woman concerned. Many young men would welcome an

opportunity of setting to and making themselves a small home rather than live in one room, as they were too often forced to do, said Mr Fortune.

Many of these men were not eligible for immediate rehabilitation assistance, and if local bodies could see their way to help them perhaps with some slight modification of the building standards required, and some financial assistance was given, a valuable contribution 1o the housing problem would be made. On this question he felt sure that the Government could give very material assistance. ’Mr Fortune said of the 57.000 men whom he estimated to be on the age benefit, piobablv half were between 00 and 65, and at least 1-1,000 of them would be glad to assist in the present emergency if they were not deprived of the benefit. Many of them were skilled tradesmen, and could work at light maintenance of houses and buildings. There was no fear today, with 53.000 vacancies ,of them depriving anyone of a job.