PROGRESS OF HAMILTON

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20774, 6 April 1939, Page 6

PROGRESS OF HAMILTON

Confidence in the future of Hamilton is indicated by the buoyancy of the building trade. Figures for the first quarter of the current year give promise of a record construction period in a town that has been advancing rapidly for some years. Hundreds of homes are being erected each year, and the demand is still very far from satisfied. Business activity is increasing remarkably, and the next census of the population will probably disclose a substantial growth. Although the State has undertaken the major share of home building, 85 permits for buildings have been issued in the past three months, including permits for 38 new private homes. The total value represented by the permits is £43,770. In addition, substantial public buildings arc in course of construction, and the grand total of building activity is very impressive. An acceleration of the work may be expected in the near future, especially with regard to public undertakings, and it is evident that the town will provide a vast amount of work for a long period. Major works to be undertaken shortly include the construction of the model suburb of over 200 houses in Hayes Paddock, the new railway station and the lowering of the line through tho town, and the building of the new Hamilton West School and a town hall. Substantial building programmes may be expected when the Garden Place Hill removal is completed. All this means additional population and the need for still more homes. No other provincial town in New Zealand has a comparable programme in prospect. The reason for it all is that Hamilton is very favourably situated and is surrounded by a wonderfully productive district. Advancement is in the air. It is not a “boom” in the ordinary sense, for Hamilton is building on sound foundations.