THE ORAKEI BLOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 12

THE ORAKEI BLOCK.

PRICE PAID TO NATIVES.

COST OF OPENING THE AREA.

WATERFRONT ROAD EXPENDITURE

[by TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

I Particulars with respect to the purchase ! and sale of the Orakei block, Auckland, were tabled in the House to-day at the request of Mr. H R. Jenkins (Government —Parnell). It was stated that the purchase price paid to the natives was £270,184, paid in cash and Treasury debentures. The value paid to the lessee in cash or kind for the cancellation of the lease was £33,679. It was impossible to give the details requested regarding the number and area of the subdivisions. Only about one-third of the block had been definitely planned. Apart from external access, the work at present in hand was confined to one block and would make available approximately 500 sections. A total of £216,459 had been spent on the waterfront road and extensions and the Bridge, and £84,519 had been expended on internal roading, sewerage, water and stormwater drainage, a total of £300,978. Of the £216,459 item, a sum of £125,397 had been contributed by the Auckland City Council.

It was estimated that there would be 1200 sections, averaging over one-quarter of an acre for tho whole subdivision. So far 135 sections had been offered for sale and 59 had been sold, the amount realised being £47,730. The amount paid to Crown solicitors, agents and others for their services in connection with tho pur chase was £7478.