THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1922. NGATEA’S HOUSING PROBLEM

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4449, 4 August 1922, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1922. NGATEA’S HOUSING PROBLEM

Among the difficulties which must be faced by a growing centre is the housing of the increasing number of families who inevitably come as that centre progresses. Ngatea is at present at a stage when more houses are required, and it is estimated that if half a dozen residences were erected at the present time they would all be immediately occupied. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Veterinary Club’s committee a residence for the veterinary surgeon was the most serious obstacle to a final settlement oi affairs. It is thought that the problem will be solved, but not before many difficulties have been overcome. There are others, however, who require residences, and two more are soon to he built, the teacher’s residence and the county engineer’s house. These, however, will not entirely relieve the demand for houses. There are openings for fresh businesses, and it is understood that at least one man is beingkept away on account of his inability to secure housing accommodation. In Turua the demand for offices has been relieved by some of the local men forming themeelves into a company to build offices, which are now being completed. A similar idea may be formulated in Ngatea. k few of the leading men could profitably invest a little of their spare capital in a company, or some other institution, to build, say, three houses for a start. Unless the advancement of the township is stopped immediately and takes a backward turn there is no possibility of the venture being a failure. Perhaps, if the local men are not able to assist financially they could endeavour to interest some firm of contractors to erect the buildings, not forgetting to point out the sound financial aspect of the case. If the Ngatea people wish to see their township grow they should endeavour to do something in the matter, and that something sliould be done soon, as there is no time like the present to push the centre ahead.