LARGE CONTRACT LET FOR STATE HOUSES IN GONVILLE AREA

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 September 1950, Page 4

LARGE CONTRACT LET FOR STATE HOUSES IN GONVILLE AREA

The State Hous, Department has let a contract for a large block of 118 units which will be built on many acres of former lupin-covered dune country at th? southern extremities of Swiss Avenue, Harper and Duigan Streets, skirting the Balgownie swamp along Puriri Street. As far as can be ascertained this is the last contract that will be let in Wanganui for some time. It is also the let. No confirmation has been received by the Wanganui branch of the State Advances Corporation, but an official of the Department of Housing Construction in Palmerston North stated thot it was possible that some of the sections or ginally set aside for State houses in the Puriri Street area may eventually be Gold to private purchasers-

In recent weeks Stqte sections in Taihape, Ohakune other district centres were put up for sale, but none has yet been offered in Wanganui. State house construction was begun in the Harper Street pxtens’on in December, J 946, and now 86 units dot the area bounder} by th e southern ends of Swiss Avenue and Rimu Street. As the houses yvere completed the tenants moyed in anfi all bpt four, for which the serv.’ces of painters and paperhangers are qwaitpd, §re occupied.

Still unbpilt pfl, however, is a large arpa of levelled terrain backing on'to the Balgowme swamp, and quite a number of sections wi'th frontages on to Puriri Street. ft is understood that no contract has been let for State house building on these secions, but their nearness to the efty transport service would make them much sought after if they were offered for sale.