GARDEN SUBURB

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20811, 23 May 1939, Page 8

GARDEN SUBURB

HAYES PADDOCK SCHEME MINISTER OF HOUSING’S VISIT CONSIDERED IDEAL SITUATION "In my opinion this will be one of the most beautiful residential quarters In the Dominion,” stated the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, Minister of Housing, after visiting Hayes Paddock, the proposed site of a further State housing scheme In Hamilton. The Minister examined the plans for the area and expressed approval of the scheme, which he considered would be an asset to the town. He was greatly impressed with many of the private residences in Hamilton and stated that there appeared to be few spots which were not suitable for either individual sections or Government units. Mr Armstrong was accompanied by th<? Director of Housing Construction, Mr A. Tyndall and the Hamilton

borough engineer. Mr R. p. Worley. Asked when the Hayes Paddock scheme was likely to begin, Mr Tyndall stated that the roading work end preliminary ground construction would commence at the earliest possible moment. Appreciation of the co-operation received by the department from the borough engineer, the town clerk, Mr W. L. Waddel, and the council generally, in making arrangements for the scheme was expressed by the Minister. Proximity to Town The easy access Hayes Paddock would have to the town was commented upon by Mr Armstrong. It was proposed to erect a suspension bridge across the Waikato River, and this would bring the area within five minutes’ walk of the business area. Another advantage which the Minister saw in the site was that it was not directly on the main highway, and thus a great deal of traffic would not pass through the settlement.. This would provide added safety for the children. Speaking of the climatic attraction of Haves Paddock Mr Armstrong mentioned the dryness underfoot. Mr Worley further explained that it was the driest area in Hamilton in that respect. Another fact which appealed to the Minister was the openness of the country, an important factor in building when as much sun as possible was desired.

Hayes Paddock, in the opinion of the Minister, presented great possibilities so far as beautifying was concerned. Judging by what had been done in that respect with other State housing schemes, he imagined the area as possessing exceptional beauty when it was completed and a place of which the residents might well be proud. In addition a fine aspect would be lent the place by the planting of suita/ble shrubs along the rfver bank and this matter had been taken into consideration in laying out the garden suburb. Richmond Estate Scheme A visit was paid by the party to the Richmond Estate scheme, where a large number of houses are under construction. Mr Armstrong inspected several of the single and double unit buildings and expressed the opinion that they were as convenient as any person could desire. The work was proceeding satisfactorily and he prophesied the area presenting an excellent appearance when completed. Although at first there was a general aversion to double unit houses, the Minister stated that now they were in greater demand than ever, especially amongst young married couples and their parents. Mr Armstrong commented on the compactness of many of the houses, and staled that they had proved an attraction for tenants in several towns. A great credit to the department is the group of houses in Frankton already constructed and occupied. These presented a fine sight when visited by the Ministerial party, and Mr - Armstrong was impressed by the upkeep of them and the lay-out of the gardens. Seven communal garages were in the course of erection. Visit to Factory The tour concluded with a visit to the factory in Frankton from which the department obtains a great deal of its building material. An inspection was made of the works and Hie process by which certain durable boarding was constructed.