HOMES FOR PEOPLE COME FIRST

Chronicle (Levin), 12 July 1946, Page 4

HOMES FOR PEOPLE COME FIRST

WELLINGTON, July 11. "Oue tliing is quite certain, homes for the people come first and'no labour or material will be put into buildings that are not urgently required. That is the sentiment of the Government and of the country as a whole," said Hon. P. Fraser when answering an urgent question by Mr. R. j\L. Algie in the House of Representatives today. The latter asked had the Prime Minister received atiy protests against the proposed erection of a newr building in Auckland for the Bank of- Nevr Zealand and hsked wkether, in view of the housing shortag'e, the Government was justified in so using- labour and materials either at present or in the imniediate future. Mr. Fraser said his notice had first -beeu brought to the matter by- a published photograph oP qtlans for the proposed building. It had also been referred to in the report of the Bank tabled in the House last week and he had received representations about it from the Home Servicemen 's Assoeiation. However, the matter had not been before Cabinet and would have to come before Cabinet for a decision. He uuderstood strong representations had been made to the Building Controller and others for the provision of iacreased ofiice accommodation at Auckland, especially for ex-servicemen, but this was a matter Cabinet would have to consider.