ROTORUA HOUSES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22805, 12 August 1937, Page 12

ROTORUA HOUSES

SURVEY'S REVELATIONS

MANY BELOW THE STANDARD LOAN FOR MUNICIPAL SCHEME [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Wednesday As a result of tho housing survey carried out in the Rotorua borough under tho provisions of tho Housing Survey Act, the borough inspector, Mr. H, H. S. Short, reported to tho council this ovening that approximately 50 per cent of the buildings inspected failed to reach tho minimum accommodation standard laid down by tho Act. No fowor than 31 buildings wero in such a condition that it was considered repairs would be impracticable and demolition was suggested.

Of the 527 buildings inspected, 439 wero privato dwellings, 28 combined business and dwelling* premises, 20 apartment houses, and 34 boarding and lodging houses. Of these 258 wero found to be below the minimum accommodation standard. Tho largest proportion of tho buildings which tailed to pass the required stalidard nre in the native villages of Whakarewnrewa and Ohincmutu, .where it is suggested that 25 buildings should be demolished.

The council received advice that the board of management of tho State Advances Corporation had approved tho council's application for an £BOOO loan for the purpose of the erection of municipal houses. The interest rate on tho loan is to bo three per cent on a table repayment over a term of 30 years. It is stipulated that tho granting of a loan is subject to tho necessary authority to raise tho amount being secured by the council from tho Local Government I/O ans Board. Minor modifications have been suggested by tho board to the tentative plans and specifications submitted by tho council, and a further condition is that the homes must be erected to tho satisfaction of the Ministry of Housing.