G.—lo.

conveniences include a hot and cold water service, water supply, flush sanitary system and septic tank, electric light and heating points, while the specifications call for the use of good heart timber and other first-class materials. The security available, however, will not, in a large percentage of cases, permit of the erection of houses of this standard. A feature, and a most successful one, has been the use of unemployed Maori carpentering gangs. These gangs consist of three or more suitable unskilled men drawn from the ranks of the unemployed and are under the direct supervision of a qualified builder. The supervisor or foreman directs and trains the men in every phase of the work, with the object of turning out skilled tradesmen. The wages of these men are subsidized from the Employment Promotion Fund by varying amounts, dependent upon the financial circumstances of the person for whom the house is being built. Practically none of the Maori carpenters employed had previous building experience, but, nevertheless, some are already able to make doors and window-frames, hang windows, swing doors, fix locks, and mitre bevel-back weatherboarding, all in a neat tradesmanlike manner. To date, 276 applications have been received and there have been nine surveys covering 161 individual reports, while 44 advances have been approved. Two houses have been purchased, four built, and a further five are nearing completion. Now that the building organization has been established, the building rate will be increased. The whole of the undertaking in this district is being directed and supervised by the Maori Land Board. The work as at 31st March, 1938, is summarized hereunder: —

SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT: REPORT ON NATIVE HOUSING. The provision of houses in this district is proceeding slowly owing to the lack of outside staff. The Maori population is small, and is scattered over the whole of the Island. The position does not warrant the establishment of a branch office, and consequently all the supervision work is carried out either by other Departments or by officers of the Native Land Court, who visit the main centres twice yearly. The district is controlled under the same staff and organization as the Ikaroa district. To date, 78 applications have been received, and 17 surveys involving 325 individual reports have been made. The advances approved total nineteen, while three houses are nearing completion. One Maori carpentering gang has recently commenced work in the Marlborough district, and it is hoped to start two more gangs —one at Morven and the other at Temuka.

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Class. Numbers. J Cost. Indigent scheme — New —■ Erected .. .. • • • • • • 1 In progress .. .. •• • • • • 4 Not started .. .. . ■ • • • ■ 11 16 Repairs — Effected . . • • • • • ■ • • 1 In progress Not started .. ■ ■ • • • • • • 2 — 3 — £ Total authorizations .. .. .. •• 19 6,045 Under Act— New — Erected .. .. .. • • • • 3 In progress Not started .. .. . ■ ■ • • • 13 — 16 Repairs— Effected .. .. • • • • • • 2 In progress .. .. • • • ■ • ■ 1 Not started .. . . • • • • • • 3 — 9 Total authorizations .. .. . ■ • • 25 10,525 Grand total authorizations .. .. 14 16,570