DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 30 January 1948, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS

English Architect on State Houses.— New Zealand State houses were “just little bursts of sound, whereas they could have been linked up to make a tune,” Mr Clough WilliamsEllis, ' eminent' British architect and town planner, told Wellington members of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. The speaker said that he thought the State houses were good but they failed by being peppered about—hot integrated. They were a very good example of how variety might become tedious —lots of trouble to change the colour of roofs and patterns etc., to no real effect. With a little more care and iiigenuitv the houses could have been linked up and something more made of them. He also advocated the use of pise, or rammed earth, for houses as giving a durable dwelling and one the character of which lent itself naturally to the country.—Wellington 29. N.Z. Relief To China:--

C.0.R.5.0. has received a letter from Madame Chiang Kai-shek stating: “I think that the plan outlined for the work of your council in China is excellent.” The plan referred to provides for the sending of expert technical, medical, and administrative personnel to give their services in aiding rehabilitation institutions with which theyjtnay work, that, is mission hospitals, tits' International Relief Committee, the Chinese industrial co-operatives, particularly the training work of the New Zealander, Rewi Alley; that as far as possible these specialists will train Chinese in order that 'they can carry on the work when the New Zealanders leave and that the New Zeam id workers will regard themselves as ambassadors of goodwill between the two countries. Petrol Position: — The petrol shortage is again reported as acute in Wellington and up to Levin. Some retailers have closed down their petrol stations to private car owners and are sellir.”, only for urgent, requirements. Resellers say they favour a rationing system. A poli has, however, just been completed throughout New Zealand by the Retail Motor Traders’ Association at the request of the Wellington branch. Of the 26 replies so far received 20, including all the other main centres, are in favour of the present procedure. Those advocating some system of coupons are Wellington, Nelson, Gore, Wanganui, North Otago and Ashburton. —Wellington, Jan. 29.