TEMPORARY HOUSING.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 100, 18 August 1944, Page 5

TEMPORARY HOUSING.

ARMY HUTS SUGGESTED

BOROUGH COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE

The growing anxiety relative to the acuite housing shortage in Whakatane was probably responsible for the Borough Council on Monday evening giving a more sympathetic ear to Cr Shapley's representations for the establishment of a temporary housing centre of army huts on a suitable point in th£ Domain. Quoting the Auckland precedent where community centres had been Cr Shapley said he, considered the position in Whakatane every bit as serious on a comparative basis. There were sixty applications for Government houses and men were returning every week desiring to settle down. For many . years Ohope had taken the town's overflow, but to-day every shack was fully occupied long before the holiday What Avas to prevent the Council applying for the huts. • at the Matata camp and obtaining at least a dozen to apt as temporary homes. As a they were at least responsible to assist towards overcoming the problem. He suggested forming a committee with the idea of investigating the whole position and getting in touch Avith the Government. The Mayor said he Avas not keen on the idea. The position Avas not the same as in Auckland where established camps equipped with' all conveniences and hygenic arrangements were being utilised. He realised the position, however and Avas prcpar--ed to investigate the possibilities. Cr Canning claimed that the same position obtained throughout the Dominion. The cost of bringing the huts to Whakatane was for a start beyond the Council. He realised the position more, than anyone but that nothing could be done to relieve it. Cr Morpeth referred to the A.T.C. hut on the and contended that if it Avere; any criterion to the types of building Cr Shapley had in mind the transport and re-erection Avas .going to cost as much as a .neAV building. Cr Warren mentioned the possi' bilities of a municipal housing scheme, such as obtained in Rotorua and urged that the Council give serious thought to its prospects. "I would like to give full support to Cr Shapley's said Cr "Creeke Avho contended that it Avas better to offer a man a temporary home than none at all. "There need be no cost attached to the declared Cr Shapley. ' "People Avill be required toi pay a ' nominal rental and this Avill offset : any strain on the ratepayers. It is ' a matter of something attempted .something done, and if Ave never • attempt anything avc, cannot hope ] to meet the position. He maintain- < ed that in the interests of the trad- ] ing concerns of the toAvn it Avas necessary to find accommodation for I workmen who would be required in i every line of business after the Avar. « Unless houses Avere Avork- < men could not be expected to stay • and settle in the toAvn. The Council decided to appoint an .1 Investigatory committee comprising 1 the Mayor ? and Crs Creolee } Warren, £ ;Shapley and Armstrong.