HOUSING DIFFICULTIES

Chronicle (Levin), 30 July 1946, Page 5

HOUSING DIFFICULTIES

Press Association

SUFFICIENT IN THREE YEARS

By Telegraph — .

9AU9AV ILLk, .Juiy xu. An indication that tlie Budget might contain measures wliich "vvould result in tlie easiug of building costs, was giveu in Dargaville by tlie Prime Minister wlien he replied lo a request from tlie Dargaville braneli of tlie Returned »Services' Association, tliat freight costs should be avolded by peimitting tlie. Joc.al use of kauri timber milled in the district. Reviewing the difficulties which faced the eountry in resuming normal building operations after tlie intense concentration of men and materials on defence works during tlie war years, Mr. Fraser added that if plans now well advanced, were put into effect, Ihe Dominion would have overcomc its housing difficulties in two years' time. VVitliili tliree years, if the problem were tackled as wero tlie needs of war. tlie su[i|)ly of houses should be abreast of Ihe eountry 's needs. Wlien the urgent need of a new hospitiil at Dargaville was plaeed before liim, Mr. Fraser expressed sympathy with tlie request and rocognised tlie nrgency , for a new instit.tit.ion at Dargaville. He said he would discuss it with the Health Minister on his return to Wellington. He also promised, with a view to taking action, to discuss With the Post-master-General, tlie need for extensions to the Dargaville Post Oflice whieli, in its present state, Was hamperiiig the transaction of business.