SHORTAGE OF HOUSES

Southland Times, Issue 25533, 29 November 1944, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF HOUSES

WAITING LISTS OF APPLICANTS “There is a serious shortage of all types of houses throughout Southland, more particularly in Invercargill,” said Mr G. R. W. Barnes when giving evidence on behalf of a master builder in a case heard at a sitting of the Armed Forces Appeal Board yesterday morning. “As at September 30, the total number of applications registered with the State Advances Corporation was 141,” he said. Of that number 107 were for civilians and 34 for servicemen, their wives or their widows. The position today has not improved and there is a big demand for houses. There is a long waiting list of people who want to buy or rent houses. Invercargill has never been as short of houses.” He had about 20 or 30 persons on his own books looking for houses. Mr E. J. Peterson (manpower officer): Are the builders doing anything? Mr Barnes: Three builders are steadily building houses to order. I have been told that the demand is so great that builders have to turn down work. Mr E. H. Murney (chairman): Are there a great number employed in the construction of offices? Mr Barnes: Only one contractor that I know of. • ./ Mr D. W. Stalker (a member of the board): That must be essential work. Mr Barnes: Yes. Otherwise he would not have got the material.