D—l

The greatest difficulty encountered in the building of rural houses is the reluctance of builders to undertake work in isolated country areas when there is ample work available in the towns. Nevertheless, some builders have co-operated willingly with the Division and have undertaken work in an effort to facilitate the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and to assist the economy of the Dominion. (c) Timber-workers. —The scheme for the provision of portable houses for timbermill workers which was commenced in 1947 is proceeding very satisfactorily. These houses are partly financed by a levy on timber-production through the Timber Production Advisory Committee. During the year 269 houses were completed, and at 31st March 63 were under construction. Contracts have been let for 90 more, and arrangements are in hand to let a further 53. These houses were designed for prefabrication in the factory and erection on the site, although many builders prefer to do the whole of the construction on the actual site 7. REHABILITATION TRAINEE CONTRACTS The year was one of considerable activity for rehabilitation trainees. During the year, 1,044 houses were completed, bringing the total to date to 2,276. In other words, 46 per cent, of the total houses built under this scheme were completed in the twelve months ended 31st March, 1949. The following tables show the trainee activities in each housing district, together with comparative figures for previous years:—

8. LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL The acquisition of land for subdivision and development into sites for State housing purposes has been well maintained, and during the year approval has been obtained to acquire either by direct purchase or under the Public Works Act sufficient land to provide an additional 3,816 houses in 62 different towns. Since the inception of the Government's housing scheme, land sufficient for a total number of 52,110 house units

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— Auckland. Hamilton. Napier. Palmerston North. Wellington. Christchurch. Dunedin. Total. Units Handed Over Up to 31st March, 1947 Year ended 31st March, 1948 Year ended 31st March, 1949 122 141 202 40 61 70 65 88 151 20 43 103 150 96 214 79 163 190 j 68 96 114 544 688 1,044 Total to date 465 171 304 166 460 432 278 2,276 Units Under Construction As at 31st March, March, 1947 As at 31st March, 1948 As at 31st March, 1949 152 200 183 50 112 . 133 118 163 103 59 119 110 167 211 136 162 187 112 93 138 136 801 1,130 913 Number oe Trainees Employed As at 31st March, 1947 As at 31st March, 1948 As at 31st March, 1949 488 526 398 167 I 301 205 206 270 - 272 145 258 305 396 416 334 312 | 326 302 199 334 255 1,913 2,431 2,071