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77
The kitchen fireplace openings are so arranged that hot
water can be put on at a later date and connected to the bath
and sink.
The Council's main sewer passes completely through the
site, and causes a considerable saving on the question of
drainage.
All the fine trees on the site are preserved, and the layout
will be artistic and economical, with plenty of open spaces
and good gardens.
The Local Government Board Inquiry in connection with
the buildings was held by Mr. Collin on the evenings of the
2nd and 5th days of March, 1914.
New Houses.
The Council's Surveyor has kindly given me the following
particulars relating to new houses and to Town Planning:—
394 new houses were erected and completed for occupation
during 1913. In addition to these, there were
on December 31st, 1913, no less than 304 houses in course of
construction. Mr. Jenkin informs me that very few of the
above houses would be let at an annual rental of £26 or
under. I understand there are at present no houses at a
rating of £16, or under, upon the rate books.
Town Planning.
On the 4th May, 1911, the Council resolved to Town
Plan a considerable area of unbuilt-on land in the Southern
portion of their district, formal application being made to
the Local Government Board, on the 15th July, 1912, for
authority to prepare a scheme. Notices were served on this
and other smaller areas, in respect to which an Inquiry was
held on the 5th November, 1912, by Mr. Thos. Adams, the
Board's Inspector, and authority to prepare a scheme was
issued by the Board on the 21st January, 1913.