BUILDING IN CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21576, 22 August 1933, Page 10

BUILDING IN CITY

LEAD BY STATE XJRGED ACTIVITY IN OTHER CITIES REPLY BY MINISTER "You have ltnd a good lot in the past," retorted the Minister of Public Works, tho Hon. J. Bitclicner, yesterday, when tho lack of Government building operations in Auckland was pointed out by Mr. T. Bloodworth, secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Carpehters and Joiners. "That is not helping us now, unfortunately," replied Mr. Bloodworth. "Tho building industry in Auckland has suffered more than in any other centre because of tho building boom which preceded tho depression here."

Mr. Blood worth said a now museum and a now railway station were boing erected in Wellington, while Dunedin was to have a new post ofiico. "There are no such works contemplated in Auckland," ho said. "However, many of tho Government buildings hero need renovating and painting. The Auckland Chamber of Commerco recently compiled a list of suitable works that might be undertaken." Mr. Bitchener: They would not bo in favour of our doing more building, would they? I thought they wcro against that. Mr. Bloodworth: They aro not asking your department to do it. Continuing, Sir. Bloodworth enumerated tho chamber's suggestions, which included a State Fire Insurance building on land already acquired in High Street; a building to house the Stamp Duties and Valuation Departments and the official assignee; a new post office in Shortland Street, including parcels accommodation and possibly provision for the linking of Shortland Street and Fort Street; and additions to tho Supreme Court. "The chamber and myself aro as far apart as the poles on most things." said Mr. Bloodworth. "I am advocating the workers' point of view here and I do not care what you build so long as you build something. I ask j'oti to do something to help the building trado out of tho doldrums. That would show private people that tho Government had seme confidence in the place. Mr. Bitchener: Somo of tho works you havo mentioned have been discussed by tho Government. Mr. Bioodworth: Yes, but sometimes •these discussions take a very long time. Mr. Bitchener: Wo have to get a true estimate of our position, especially regarding income, beforo wo act, but most of those matters have been very earn--1 obtly considered.