A QUESTION OF RENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 103, 3 May 1922, Page 9

A QUESTION OF RENT.

fTn the Kditnr. Sir.—There i« an everyday fart which seems to have been lost sight of almost altogether where the cost of living is concerned. There has been no reduction in the high —not to say extortionate —rentals charged for both house*, ami even rooms, and from which the average wage-earner is Buffering all over this city and suburbs. Xor is there as yet any talk of a reduction in this line, and it is therefore high time tbnt we who are the eufl'erers in this connection should ccc to it that those who are responsible for these continued liigfi rentals be compelled in reduce their charges. My wife and I live and move and have our bcinp in one furnished room, for which we pay 30/ per week. That is to say, we cook, eat. and sleep in this room, and have also the privilese of using a bathroom, and (when we can get it) have the use of the washhouse. copper, and tubs, in addition. My wages are £4 per week, with a possible and very probable reduction coming in two or three months' time: but. mark you. no word of a reduction in the rent. I am only quoting my own case a« an instance—there are hundreds more in a similar position, and the majority of them possibly not so favourable as ours, for the lady under whose roof we dwell is an exceedingly and exceptionally good soul. Xow. T put it to yourself and your readers, sir, is this sort of thins going to be allowed to continue? Are the proprietors of these establishments, as well as those who are leasing private houses, going to continue exploiting that section of the community who cannot find a house to live in?—for the very simple reason, apart from others, that there are no houees to be got.—l am. etc.. FAIR QL'AF.TRR.