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An unidentified announcer introduces the two items in this programme: the Timaru air terminal opening on 13 April 1957 and an interview with Mr J. W. Huggins, Christchurch Chief City health inspector for over 50 years.
Actuality and a report from the Timaru Air Terminal opening, where an aerobatic display has been taking place. The runway has been extended and a new terminal building constructed. RNZAF Pilot Officer John Terry of the Harvard aerobatic display team is interviewed.
Councillor Chairman of the Airport committee introduces the Director of Civil Aviation Sir Arthur Nevill declares the new terminal building open.
Mr Huggins is interviewed about his role as Christchurch City Health Inspector. His department investigates infectious disease, housing improvements, dangerous goods, noxious weeds, fire hazards and dog registration, as well as licensing hairdressers, eating houses and all types of food premises.
He talks about the best way to deal with irate ratepayers and citizens who he encounters in the course of his work. He gives the example of the sort of mis-information he hears, such as complaints about immigrants being met at the wharf and immediately given state houses or pensioner units.
He talks about the problems of finding housing in the city for single people or families living in sub-standard accommodation such as campgrounds or in caravans.
He says some 'problem families' may have been evicted by a previous landlord for social reasons: dirtiness, drunkeness or non-payment of rent.
He feels these families have often drifted to Christchurch City Council's Transit Camp from other parts of New Zealand. He says some of these families end up in sub-standard accommodation which needs to be demolished, but they need to be re-homed first.
Mr Huggins says the Housing Improvement Act is the best legislation passed in the last 30 years. It permits local authorities to demolish sub-standard housing.
He ends by talking about the 'very provocative' subject of the city's milk supply. He says the quality of the city's milk has improved greatly, but the quality of cream is a current burning issue.
He ends by listing the social housing organisations he will remain involved with in his retirement.