HOUSING SCHEME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20638, 29 January 1937, Page 8

HOUSING SCHEME

£17,000 FOR BLOCK OF LAND PURCHASE BY STATE By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, January 28. One of the largest vacant blocks of land close to the city of Auckland, locally known as the Casey estate, has been purchased by tire Government for the purpose of the housing scheme. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon M. J. Savage) said to-day that the Ministry of Housing had acquired the estate at a reasonable cost. The purchase price would work out at £17,000. The block would be slightly redesigned for the purpose of increasing the size of the sections, but there would be at least 120 sections available, and they would work out at £l4O a section. The land, which is on the Richmond Road, was the largest vacant block close to the city, continued Mr Savage. The Auckland City Council, which had investigated a very large number of properties, had stated that in its opinion the Casey estate at the price at which it was available made it most suitable for a housing scheme. The Council had acquired an option over the land which it iiad not exercised, but had been pleased to leave to the Government. Referring to the purchase price. Mr Savage said that it was only another evidence of the capacity of the Government to buy building sections at a price that showed an extraordinary saving ever tire cost of similar sections purchased a few years ago. In all probability while the Orakei Estate (Crown property) Is being further roaded and dealt with, the scheme supplementary to that which will be commenced in Auckland directly, will be proceeded with on the Casey Estate.