STATE HOUSES

Chronicle (Levin), 25 February 1947, Page 4

STATE HOUSES

Speeded Up It was apparent that the cotincil would have to take even more vigorous steps in its endeavour to expedite the erectiori and completioii of State houSes in Levih, said the Mayor, Mr. H. B. Burdekin, at last night's meeting of the Levin Borough Council. ."If I cannot get satisfaction from the Assistant Director of Housing, Mr. Hammond, then I will go to the Minister." Mr. Burdekin said he had constantly protested at the lack of action but to no apparent avail. The foundations of six units had been laid in Lincoln Place. Lack of cenTent had been the previous trouble. but he had managed to get over that difficulty for them. Though he had received advice in December that work on these houses would be resumed on january 29, up until today no move had been made. After a personal check up on the house's in, Chamberlain St-reet, before Christmas, he had managed to obtain permission for the occupation of three of them before they were completely finished. This was an unprecedented move as far as State houses were concerned. Five more of these houses were yet to be completed, some requiring basins and painting. Many of them had been started 18 months ago. It v/as "absolutely wicked" he contended. There were 30 returned soldiers alone waiting for houses, and half of these applicants were in the urgent category. Six houses for these men was the most that could be hoped for. One promising aspect was that he had a promise that the next contracts would be for one or two houses instead of six or eight; this he trusted would give the builders a chance of gettirig them completed. .It appeared that contractors were just laying the foundations of the houses, then starting

on pnvaue jods. Jtiowever, tne council was going to endeavour to have the construetion of State houses expedited. continued . Mr. Burdekin. It did seem so verv wrong. he concluded, that the council had to take these steps instead of the deoartment itself. -