WORKERS' HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 105, 11 January 1912, Page 5

WORKERS' HOMES.

STARTING THE NEW SCHEME. By Telegraph—Pr«ss Association. Wellington, Last Night, The foundation stone of the new workers' homes, numbering 21, to be erected at Island Bay, were laid this afternoon by the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Labor. The Prime Minister was also present, and a large number of people witnessed the ceremony. Hon. Millar said these homps comprised the first group built in Wellington under the Workers' Dwellings Act, 1910. A large number of applications had been received from different towns in New Zealand. Twenty-two dwellings had already been begun in Auckland, and 14 in Christchurch, and 11 would shortlv be commenced in Palmerston North. Applications were also being considered from Napier, Wanganui, Taumarunui, Rangataua, Timaru, Temuka and other towns. The Wellington houses would consist of four of four rooms, 1G of five roms, and one of six rooms. The total cost, with the sections, ranged from £490 to £590. Payments would be under the, purchase system', namely a deposit of £lO and 7 per cent., including 5 per cent. 1 interest on the 'balance, plus insurance. The weekly payments would range from 15s to 17s 6d; including Is for rates, i In 25% years the houses would belong to the occupants, which period could be shortened by paying additional sums. All the material was good, and the design and appearance compared more than favorably with other houses in Wellington of similar class. Applicants had the choice of plans free of charge, and the Department would make reasonable alterations' for particular '•. requirements. Applicants could choose their own wall papers and fittings. The sections ranged from 36 to 40 feet frontage, with 113 to 120 feet depth, or slightly under an eighth of ah acre. The buildings would have all the latest and up-to-date conveniences. The cost to the Government would be: Buildings £9258, Land £2217. It would there be seen that a considererable amount of money was being spent on this excellent system.