D—l

In conformity with the Government's decision to make available, where possible, a proportion of sites for purchase by returned servicemen and the general public in localities where a demand exists, some 211 sections have been, or are being, transferred to the Lands and Survey Department for disposal in various localities. This policy is being continued, and a greater number of sections will be made available as the development of land progresses. (4) Lomd-plamming.—Considerable attention has been given to the over-all planning, particularly in correlating long-range housing development, with the ten-year plans and local town-planning schemes. The planning of major schemes at Tamaki and Mount Boskill (Auckland), and Hutt Valley, and Shirley (Christchurch) has progressed satisfactorily, whilst the preliminary work on Porirua has reached the stage where the outline scheme is almost ready for discussion with the other Departments and local bodies concerned. Besides the schemes mentioned above, major schemes in the larger towns are receiving consideration, while in other towns routine planning work on smaller blocks has been carried out as required. (5) the fact that this section of the Division has been handicapped throughout the past year by an acute shortage of field staff and a lack of transport, a total of 3,725 units has been made available for building purposes. More and more unservieed land has had to be acquired and the necessary services supplied, and many miles of roads and drainage have been completed -during the year. Excellent progress on reading and services on the large Tamaki scheme at Auckland is keeping the development programme in that area well in .advance of building activity.. Delays experienced, by the Drainage Board in the construction of the main sewer has necessitated the provision of alternative means of sewerage disposal for this block. Investigations into the provision of essential services for the Porirua area are proceeding. The main difficulty being experienced is the lack of pipes for drainage and water reticulation, this shortage being occasioned by not only the steel and cement position, but the scarcity of labour. In some areas, especially in "Wellington and Christchurch, wherever practicable, advantage has been taken of the availability of Public Works Department equipment to undertake heavy development work. It is pleasing to note, however, that there appears over the past twelve months to have been a revival of interest by private contractors in the developmental work associated with housing. Adequate reserves in the form of recreation and children's playgrounds are planned in State housing areas in full co-operation with local bodies, and work on these amenities is proceeding steadily. Attention is given towards beautifying these housing areas, and here . again this Division works in the closest collaboration with local authorities in the planting of trees and, shrubs on street frontages. To date over two million trees and shrubs have been supplied and planted. (6) Community Planning.—This important aspect of State housing has been attended to by this Division and schemes prepared for several major projects. In full co-operation with other Departments, a scheme for the proposed housing activities in the Porirua Basin has been prepared which

51