MAORI HOUSING

According to the Annual Report of the Maori Affairs Department, Maori housing construction last year was an all-time record, 456 houses being constructed, while loans totalling £1,125,636 were granted. This is the first time the million mark has been exceeded.

Mr J. H. Barber, Director of Maori Housing, when interviewed by Te Ao Hau, said everything was being done to keep up the present rate of construction. He gave a warning, however, that the future of the housing scheme may ultimately depend on people's promptitude in repaying their housing loans. Those lagging behind in their repayments are endangering the chances of others, he said. Let us suppose that arrears for one year should amount to £30,000. This would mean fifteen houses could not be built in that year. Besides, the whole scheme could be endangered by people not honouring their obligations.