Page 39 - KBHA Bulletin 10

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but were even prepared to extend it to 7 March 1944. Miller Brothers’ credentials were
good and their letterhead stated “Builders of Additions to Parliament”. This obviously was

meant to carry some influence. Whether Council was influenced by this or not is unknown,
but they accepted their tender with the addition of £673-11-6d over the lowest tender being

approved. Besides this, Council had decided it was necessary to build two additional

blocks, one of 4 1-bedroomed flats and the other of 4 3-bedroomed flats. This was because
it became clear to Council during Contract One that the 47 flats were not going to be

sufficient to accommodate all the families that were living in the area prior to demolition.

It has never been explained how the increase in families occurred since the initial
calculations were 52 families less 5 (who would seek permanent accommodation

elsewhere), equalling 47 families to be housed. But additional land had to be found and

Council decided to acquire an area of 41 sq. roods and 36 sq. feet from Mrs Rachel Harris
who owned two houses alongside the proposed flats, Harris Villas Nos. 1 and 2. The

municipal valuation of these properties was £1,150 and the Council offered her £1,250,

which she flatly refused. Council then informed her that it would seek approval of the
Administrator for expropriation, whereafter Mrs Harris accepted the Council price of

£1,250.

An inherent problem with the acquisition of the two Harris Villas was the Council’s
responsibility to find alternative accommodation for the two tenants prior to demolition.

One was a coloured fisherman, Mr Frances, who had a wife and ten children. He qualified

for a fisherman’s flat and only temporary alternative accommodation would have to be
found. The other was the boat-owner “Stokkie” Williams who was served one month’s

notice and had to find his own accommodation.

The drawings for these eight additional flats were duly prepared under a Mr Willis who was
now Chief Housing Architect. Miller Brothers, who were on site, submitted a price of

£5,836-8-0d. The Council checked the schedule of rates and regarded the price as fair and