HOUSING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20803, 11 August 1937, Page 6

HOUSING

EXTENSION TO NORTH AUCKLAND A DEFINITE PROMISE By Telegraph—Press Association DARGAVILLE, August 10. A definite understanding that a scheme for State housing could be undertaken in Dargaville in the near future was given by the Under-Secre-tary in charge of housing. Mr J. A. Lee, when in Dargaville this afternoon. Land had already been purchased by the Government for this purpose, and it was the Government's intention to proceed with the calling of tenders at an early date. “When the housing scheme was first mooted in official circles, Mr Coates mentioned Dargaville as a likely place for putting the sch-?m« into operation, and the Government gave him a definite understanding that Dargaville would be one of the first towns on the list after the large; centres had been attended to." said Mr T ee. "Mr Coates’ silence in this matter has been due to the fact that he looked to the Government to fulfil its promise to him." Mr A. Tyndall. Director of Housing, who accompanied Mr Lee. stated that it was not his intention to erect fewer than 10 hawses in any one place. Tenders for house in Dargaville would most likely be called ir a few weeks time, and the foundations for the structures should be laid within three months if everything went to schedule. A deputation of builders wainted on Messrs Lee and Tynd i. to go into the position. Mr Lee urged the builders to cooperate with him when the time came for tendering for f he work, and Mr Tyndall furthered these remarks by requesting their combined assistance to alleviate the housing problem. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates M.P. for Kaipara. acssured Mr Lee that there would be no difficult; in obtaining tenants for the houses. After hearing a ep’ tation of unemployed regarding various matters which Mr Lee promised to refer to the Minister of Labour, the official party left for Auckland late this afternoon. CARPENTERS’ UNION FEW MEMBERS UNEMPLOYED By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. August 9 Mr Moulton, secretary of the Carpenters’ and Joiners' Union, stated today that there is little unemployment among carpenters. The Government housing scheme is relieving the position, but there still remains the diffisulty of a number of married men having to travel to secure work, bringing the problem to these of keeping two homes going.

The answers to the 10,000 questionaires he sent out showed that the annual wage for tradesmen to be from £152 to £lB2, and the average rental 30/-, leaving little for food, and clothing.