THE KING ON HOUSING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10389, 7 May 1925, Page 6

THE KING ON HOUSING

EFFECT ON SOCIAL LIFE. OF UNEMPLOYMENT. At Buckingham Palace recently the King received ahout 50 representatives, of the Upper and Lower Houses of Convocation, which presented addresses to His Majesty voted by Convocation. Replying to the address ot the 1 rovince of Canterbury, the King said he noted with satisfaction that the .National Church Assembly was considering proposals to secure unity ot administration in the system of public education, and it would indeed be a, matter of congratulation were it possible to arrive at a settlement of this important issue acceptable to all parties. He was especially glad to hear ot its endeavours in connection with Empire settlement. He believed the chm-Hi could render important service in the great work for material and social well being of his people, both in this countrv and overseas. '"I am touched and gratified, ho continued, "by your reference to the visits of my sons to the dominions. 1 lie ties uniting those dominions to the Mother Country and to one another are of paramount importance, and it is reassuring to feel that such visits help to strengthen these ties." In acknowledging the address from the Province of York the King said: "I heartily agree with you that we must foster a spirit of brotherhood and cooperation between men of different political opinions and schools of thought, in order to deal effectively with the grave problems which still confront the nation. "I share your view as to the difficulty and urgency of the housing proMem. No one can fail to realise the disastrous effects of the present shortage of houses upon our social wellbeing. This question continues to enthe earnest attention of my ministers, and I trust that their endeavours'to encourage building enterprise and increase the existing building resources of the country will, with God's help, be crowned witli success. "The deplorable results of continued unemployment, combined with the high cost of living, to which your address also refers, have long caused me deep concern, and the Government is seriously considering what are the best remedies for these evils. "Like you, I believe the restoration of agriculture in this country is one of the foremost necessities of to-day. It '■•' my earnest hope that all engaged in this great industry will realise that it is by "collaboration that the best interests, national as well as individual, c£.n be served."