Council to Press For More Houses

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6104, 19 September 1947, Page 5

Council to Press For More Houses

BUILDING BY STATE.

LETTER FROM MINISTER OF WORKS. In a letter stressing the urgency for the erection of more Stateynouses .in Cambridge, the Minister of/Works has replied to the Borough iifouncil stating that a six more houses, making the total in the Borough 55. The Minister stated in the communication, which was read at Wednesday night’s council meeting, that the housing position was serious in every town in New Zealand, and he had received numerous requests similar to that of Cambridge. He pointed out that the limited supplies of materials were being allocated in equitable proportions, and. the interests of Cambridge were not being overlooked.

“It is very pleasant to read such a letter,” said the Deputy-Mayor, Mr Mervyn Wells. “I hope it is true that we are not being overlooked — we have been in the 'past. Mr S. Lewis: Six houses are only a drop in the ocean. We should ask foY more. As a member of the Rehabiltation Board, I know just how bad the position is in Cambridge.

• Mr H. E. Aymes contended that the State houses in Te Awamutu far exceeded those in Cambridge. He said that such a state of affairs did not indicate an- equitable distribution of materials. The council decided to write to the Minister advising him of the receipt of his letter and noting his promise not to overlook Cambridge in the future. The letter wilP also stress the urgency for at least another 12 Louses to be constructed next year.

DRAWN OUT ARRANGEMENTS SALE OF BOROUGH LAND After nearly two years finality was now being reached in the sale of borough land to the State Housing Department, said the Town Clerk, Mr Frank T. Ray, in a report to the council. There were five sections concerned. in Hamilton Road. Hall Street, Thornton Road and Williams Street. When the Deputy-Mayor, Mr Mervyn Wells, raised the points as to ..whether it was wise to sell any more land, Mr S. Lewis pointed out the loss incurred by local bodies in selling to the State. He said that the passing of lands to the Crown made them unrateable until houses were huilt on them. If a house became untenanted or was burnt down, the payment of rates stopped. This was different /to private land, where the owner was~alwavs liable for rates.