HOUSING SURVEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 306, 26 December 1936, Page 6

HOUSING SURVEY.

MANUAL PREPARED.

GUIDE TO LOCAL BODIES

EXTENSIVE INFORMATION.

A manual has been prepared as - a guide to local authorities in tlie preparation of housing surveys as required by the Housing Survey Act of 1935, which sets out in detail standardised forms and instructions for conducting surveys and the tabulation of survey data. The general purpose of the survey is to provide information as to the number of dwelling houses which are overcrowded, and which fall below a general standard of fitness foi habitatjon. For the correctness of the survey the Government is depending on the local authorities, and the returns will be used for statistical work in formulating the Government's future housing policy. For that reason the returns have to be complete and accurate. The regulations have been framed for general use throughout the Dominion, and it is recognised that in tlio case of some of the smaller boroughs _ certain survey items may possibly be dispensed with without impairing the efficiency of the survey, and it would thus be left to local authorities to make application for dispensations. Stress is laid on the appointment of suitable persons to act as investigators, and the opinion has been expressed that they should have some experience in approaching and dealing witli people, as some of the questions are of a personal nature. The local authorities are/required to appoint a supervisor, who will be responsible for the correctness of the survey, and will have charge of the field and oflicc work. The the supervisor is to sec that the process of the survey goes smoothly. For the actual house to house survey the investigators will work under the direction of the supervisor, and they will carry with tliem certificates of appointment. The completed surveys will give information in regard to dwellings overcrowded, buildings below ' standard of fitness, and buildings considered satisfactory. The information sought in regard to dwellings covers a very wide range, including sanitary accommodation, fire protection, garbage disposal, domestic equipment for cooking, size of bedrooms, lighting and ventilation arrangements, and in the case of tenancies the amount of rent paid.