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adequate system of training for civilian occupations. The carpenters' training schools set up by the Department of Labour working in conjunction with this Department have produced excellent results, and they provide a pattern on which similar establishments could be set up. Training schools could, with advantage, be set up in all the main centres for any trades that are likely to offer employment for ex-servicemen in reasonably large numbers. In the past, delay on building jobs has been due more often to shortage of bricklayers, plumbers, painters, and electricians than of carpenters. To maintain maximum production and stability in the industry, the numerical strength of the various trades should be well balanced, and also the ratio of artisans to unskilled men should be correct. "7. Expenditure.—Up to the 31st March, 1943, the total net payments in respect of the purchase of land, provision of services, erection of joineryfactories, erection of, houses, and all administrative charges amounted to £22,008,825. Liabilities and commitments as at that date amounted to £958,830. The net expenditure for the year under review was £1,654,338. " Administrative Costs. —The total cost of administration of the Department of Housing Construction, exclusive of interest charges, from its inauguration to the 31st March, 1943, was £611,769, of which. £54,898 represents the expenditure for the financial year 1942-43. " The administrative charge covering the whole period of the Department's operations since its inception has been a remarkably low one, representing only 289 per cent, of construction costs. " 8. Statistics.—The progress of the Department since its inception as at the 31st March is as follows: — 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. 1940-41. 1941-42. 1942-43. Units. Units. Units. Units. Units. Units. J-Otal. "3. Houses advertised . . 3,172 3,526 4.373 3,013 2,045 414 17,443 "2. Contracts let . . .. 2,507 3.683 4,165 3,294 2,875 277 16,790 "3. Houses under construction 1,560 2,326 2,847 2,444 2,033 1,209 " 4. Houses completed and handed over to State Advances Corporation and Depts. .. 399 2,665 3,395 3,966 3,208 1,259 14,892* 5. Towns and localities work Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns, conducted in .. . . 70 106 121 129 142 146 * This total includes 273 house units for other Departments. " 19. Staff. —The past year has again been a particularly difficult one for all branches of the Department owing, to the large number of trained personnel released for military service. Altogether 128 officers of a total of 444 have joined the Forces. " There has also been a heavy falling off in the number of men employed. In 1940 the total number, including staff, was 5,594, and in March, 1943, only 1,089 were employed. " Despite the heavy reduction in man-power due to the war, it is pleasing ta note that the total number of units completed this financial year was 1,259. "In conclusion, I desire to place on record my appreciation of the efficient and loyal service rendered the Department by all members of the staff'. " G. Albertsox, " Director of Housing Construction." Report on Housing Account It will be seen from the above report furnished by the Director of HousingConstruction and from a perusal of the annual balance-sheet of the Housing Account that the assets for which the Corporation is responsible are as under:— (a) Amounts owing under agreements for sale and purchase of residential property. (5) Advances to employers under Part 111 of the Housing Act, 1919. (c) Advances to local authorities under Part V of the Housing Act, 1919; loans to local authorities under the Rural Housing Act, 1939. (d) Administration of land purchased for housing pending the time when it is required by the Construction Department. (e) Management of rental properties erected under the supervision of the Housing Construction Department or acquired by the Corporation for letting to tenants. There has been limited activity under items (a) to (d), and there is nothing worthy of special mention in this report relating to those assets: The administration of the rental houses is, however, becoming more important as the number

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