BLOCK OF FLATS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1925, Page 2

BLOCK OF FLATS

AUCKLAND, November 20. Plans for seven-story block of flats at Parnell were brought before the Grammar School Board at its meeting by Air Arthur Cleave, lessee of the hoard’s property fronting Alanukau Road, Henley Street and Cracroft Street, Parnell. The project was to build 159 flats at an estimated cost of approximately L'loo,ooo.

In placing his scheme before the hoard, Air Cleave asked for an extension of the time allowed for building, and submitted that he wished to visit America to obtain ideas for improveing upon his scheme. His plans were provisional. They provided for the erection of a block around three sides of a quadrangle. On the Manukan Road the frontage was 2(58 feet and .lie depth was 190 feet. On the ground / lloor there would he eight large shops and four small ones. The flats would include 132 with three rooms, 22 with four rooms, and six bachelors’ flats of two rooms. On top would lie a diningroom and ballroom, each 33ft square. In all, except two flats on the ground lloor, provision was made for sleeping porches. The building would he fitted with four lifts, and would lie in brick and concrete, the site being a well elevated one not far from the new railway station.

.Members of the hoard considered the proposal a good one. They thought, that the growth of Auckland would • ring about an increased demand for Mats, and it was remarked that a building of ihe dimensions proposed would have a commanding position overiookug I he harbour.

‘‘Flats should be prohibited by law,” remarked Mr P. H. Upton, half jokingly. ” A man should have his own home and there should be no living in flats.” Further Air Upton commented that Hals discouraged increase of population. Professor A. P. AY. Thomas (chairman): They certainly don’t encourage it. Air Upton : When you have llafs t nopulat ion doesn’t come. Professor Thomas: And there will lie some bachelors’ Hats too. Air H .S. A\\ King: There should he no bachelors. The proposal of Air Cleave was deferred for further conidoratiou after his visit to America.