TEMPORARY HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1920, Page 5

TEMPORARY HOMES.

ACCOMMODATION AT FITZROY. USE OP PUBLIC HALL. , A practical attempt to relieve the shortage of housing accommodation in New Plymouth is nearing completion at Fitzroy, where the public hall is being converted into apartments for the usj of families.

The idea, evolved by Inspector Day, is to provide accommodation for four families, each having three rooms with, separate drainage and sanitary arrangements, but a joint washhouse and bathroom. The rooms arc all airy, while the provision of stoves for heating and cooking arrangements is one of the items included in the scheme. Part of the adjoining ground is to be used for gardening purposes by some of the prospective tenants. Preparatory arrangements in connection with the erection of the washhouse were being made yesterday morning, when a Daily News reporter visited the location. It was noticeable that part of the main building is shaded by the trees on the north side, which require to be cut down; it is understood this question is under review.

The three-room lots will be let at las per week, which sum will include light, aiu) at the present rate of rent charges this may be termed quite reasonable. The borough's estimated expenditure on the job is £l7O. The work, of courso, is meant to be of a temporary nature, but everything is being done to ensure the best possible arrangements for the outlay. The partitions are of three-ply, deafened with building- paper. The arrival of the stoves by the Mapourika this week is all that is needed to ensure completion of the work, and it is anticipated all the tenantß will be in occupation by Saturday.

One family of husband, wife, and three children is already in occupation, and are Ending their quarters quite comfortable, with the prospects of adding some little finishing improvements as opportunity arises, Previously they were crowded into two rooms, for which they were paying 12s per week rent. 'L'ho tenants o£ the two front apartments will be two small families who previously shared a house, but have been ejected, while the new occupier of tile fourth is a man and family who have been paying £1 per week for the use of one room which was without any fireplace. In the relief of such cases as the foregoes* the new accommodation will bo serving a very useful purpose.

fn the conversion of the hall the residents are not being altogether deprived of a public assembly place, as, at the request of the Council, the Church of England authorities, have ' agreed to rent their hall for public use whefi necessary.