HOUSING PROBLEM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 168, 18 July 1945, Page 4

HOUSING PROBLEM

ONE REASON GIVEN FOR ACUTE SHORTAGE

PRICE PAID CONTRACTORS BY STATE “We have reached the stage in New Zealand to-day when the working man and the returned soldier cannot afford to live in the house which he builds,” declared Cr. T. N. Dickson, when the acute housing shortage in Wanganui was being discussed by the City Council last night. “His only chance is to live in a State rental house, the rent of which is the same as in 1937 and is subscribed by the taxpayer.” CY. Dickson added that. builders could not construct dwellings at the price the Housing Department wanted them built for. He believed that it would be possible for contractors in Wanganui to build from 200 to houses a year. “But why is this not being done?” he asked. “It is not because of a shortage of materials, but because they can't afford to build for the price stipulated.” His own firm could build 100 houses a year. Last year they erected 50, this year they had constructed 20. and next year would build 22. but after that, he did not. know what would happen, said Cr. Dickson. “As desirous as L am of helping to overcome the housing shortage I can’t see where this will end,’’ he added. “This applies 1o contractors not only in Wanganui, but. everywhere in New Zealand. Some are building State houses for nothing.” The following resolution moved ny the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, seconded by Cr. G P. Hawkins, was carried: “That while appreciating the number of State houses already built in the city by the Government, this Council, in view of the fact that the housing shortage becomes more intense, due to the demand created by returned servicemen, urges the Government to expedite with all possible speed the ouilding of a large number of dwellings, the resolution to be forwarded to the Prime Minister and the member for Wanganui.” The Mayor said that Auckland and. Wellington were considering transit camps to overcome the housing shortage but. proportionate’y the posit was just as desperate in Wanganui. “If it were possible to have trannt camps here I v/culd oe knocking at the door in the same way as the Majors of Auckland and Wellington, compelled bv the urgency oi the question,” the Mayor added. PENSIONERS’ FLATS The council r.ceepted the tender of Messrs. Peeper and F-omont ior rne erection of two blocks of pensioners’ flats in Kawakawa Street, Wanganui East Each block will contain four flats. The contract price is £7616, plus £66 for concrete paths- The buildings will be of the pitched roof type and the tender was accepted subject to lhe consent of the Local Government Loans Board being received.