GROWING RESIDENTIAL AREA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 143, 5 April 1940, Page 4

GROWING RESIDENTIAL AREA

A survey of the growth of the residential area of the town reveals an interesting and gratifying state of affairs, and is a further indication of the sudden movement which carried Whakatane from a little known centre to the forefront of progressive provincial towns. Building figures provide an infallible barometer which spells for any town its prosperity or its decline. Happily the local figures present totals which compare more than favourably with those of any sister town of Whakatane's size 'in the Dominion. Five years ago building permits were issued in the Borough for buildings approximating in value £18,628. This was followed by boom periods of which 1938 was a record—the details being 1937—£27,318, 1938—£69,798, 1939—£19,228, andl94o —£34,582. State houses are not included in the above and when it is considered that there are no less than 39 of these buildings (including 3 double-unit houses) and a further which will be completed by the end of the present month., the full extent of the expansion of the town can be appreciated. Added to the above figures, and working on the assumption that each Government house costs approximately £1,100 to erect, a further £50,000 could be with safety included. The amazing feature of the case as that the housing shortage in Whakatane has not been eased by the intensified building programme. There are still hundreds who desire homes, and who are compelled to live either at Ohope Beach, or in the areas adjoining the Borough. To meet the position, private enterprise is doing all it can, w ? hile tenders for a further 16 State houses have already been called. Plans for a total of 100 Government owned houses are, we understand, on the programme, and the next group will be qonstructed on the vacant fading Goulstone Road.- When the last four State houses were balloted for there were no less than 62 claimants. What of the future? It will be many years before Whakatane is able to accomodate comfortably the growing number of new citizens who are attracted by its prospects as a thriving business centre and as the main focal point for the Southern Bay of Plenty.