LANDLORD CHASED BY WOMEN

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 254, 25 October 1919, Page 25

LANDLORD CHASED BY WOMEN

tf.S. TENANTS REVOLT. New Xork is developing a very short way with rent profiteers, says a correspondent of the "Weekly Dispatch." Tbe housing situation in the city hai been growing steadily worse as a result ol the landlords taking advantage of the shortage pf houses and apartments to force up rents. In hundreds of cases the tenants have been turned out at short notice following ultimatums from landlords on the expiry of leases, to quit or pay increased rents. I It has become quite common to see In ithe windows of apartment houses cards bearing the words "This house is on rent : strike," meaning that the tenant is one ol those who have banded together to refuse to pay the increased rents and to meet with force any bailiffs who tome to evict them. Not long ago two landlords were chased through the streets. Several have been man-handled by the crowds of women. Recently a fresh method of dealing with rapacious owners was tried with great effect. A few weeks ago the mayor ap- ' pointed a committee to inquire into rent' profiteering. At the sittings a landlord named Joachim and his son appeared to I give evidence In their own defence against allegations brought by the tenants of several blocks of flats of which they are the' owners. The elder Joachim, after several times being called to order for the violent speeches directed against tenants, fired off a tirade against children. After declaring that all tenants were liars Joachim wound up with personal references to one tenant. The latter, a large man, rose in his wrath landed a right hook on the landlord's left ear, knocking him over *wo chairs and a table into a far corner ot the room. This was the signal for a general attack. The audience, which was principally composed of women, advanced ln mass formation on the landlord and his son crying "Kill them both!" For several minutes a wild scrimmage raged in the committee room. Finally the police had to be called in to rescue the two Joachims, who by that time had been considerably damaged, and to restore order.